A 27-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Oakland football coach John Beam, who was shot last week on the junior college campus in northern California where he worked.
Cedric Irving Jr., who has no prior criminal record, has been charged with murder and for using a gun in the commission of the crime, according to Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson.
Details of the Charges
If convicted, Irving could face a sentence ranging from 50 years to life in prison. The charges include enhancements for allegedly personally firing the weapon that caused significant injury and for the victim’s vulnerability, possibly due to age, as stated in the charging complaint.
The prosecutor did not provide details regarding a possible motive for the killing.
John Beam gained widespread recognition after appearing on the Netflix series “Last Chance U” five years ago. A day prior to the shooting, he spoke at a community forum about security concerns on campus, referencing all four Laney campuses, including the location where he was killed.
Irving is currently being held without bail and is scheduled for arraignment on Tuesday. The Alameda County Public Defender’s Office has not been appointed to represent him and declined to comment.
Community Response and Context
The recent shootings in Oakland, including an incident at Skyline High School where a student was shot, have heightened concerns about gun violence in the city. Alameda County District Attorney Jones Dickson highlighted the unacceptable nature of lockdowns affecting students due to gun violence.
Officers responded to Laney College on Thursday to find Beam with a gunshot wound to the head. He was taken to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries the following day.
Irving was arrested at a commuter rail station shortly after 3 a.m. on Friday while carrying the firearm used in the shooting. He reportedly admitted to carrying out the act, as outlined in a probable cause document.
Oakland Police Assistant Chief James Beere indicated that the shooting was a targeted incident, although he did not elaborate on the relationship between Irving and Beam.
Irving’s brother mentioned that Irving had lost his job as a security guard following an altercation and was facing eviction. Irving had previously been a member of both the football and track teams at Laney College.
In response to the shooting, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee expressed that John Beam’s legacy is defined by the positive impact he had on young people, rather than by any athletic achievements.
Beam joined Laney College in 2004 and became head coach in 2012, earning two league titles and mentoring at least 20 players who advanced to the NFL.
The issue of gun violence in schools remains pressing, with reports indicating numerous on-campus gunfire incidents occurring in 2025, encompassing levels from elementary schools to universities.
