Man Charged with Murder of Former Oakland Coach John Beam

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — A 27-year-old man was charged Monday with murder in the shooting death of former football coach John Beam on the junior college campus where he worked. Cedric Irving faces additional charges that he personally fired the gun that caused great bodily injury and that Beam was particularly vulnerable due to his age.

The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years to life.

Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson announced the charges during a press conference. Irving, who is being held without bail, is scheduled for arraignment on Tuesday. The Alameda County Public Defender’s Office has not yet been appointed to represent him and did not offer a comment on the case.

Beam, 66, was a beloved figure in Oakland, known for his strong ties with players and a history of winning championships. He was featured in the Netflix docuseries “Last Chance U” during its 2020 season. He retired from coaching last year and had recently been serving as the school’s athletic director.

Authorities found Beam wounded at the athletics field house before noon Thursday. He was taken to a local hospital but died from his injuries the following day.

Irving was arrested at a commuter rail station just after 3 a.m. on Friday, where he was found in possession of the firearm believed to have been used in the shooting. He reportedly admitted to the shooting, according to court documents.

Oakland Assistant Chief James Beere described the shooting as a “targeted incident,” but did not provide details about the relationship between Irving and Beam. Irving’s brother shared with the San Francisco Chronicle that Irving had lost his job as a security guard after an altercation and was facing eviction.

Beam began his coaching career at Laney College in 2004, eventually becoming head coach in 2012 and leading the team to two league titles. At least 20 of his former players progressed to the NFL.

The incident occurred one day after a student was shot at Oakland’s Skyline High School, where Beam had previously worked. That student is reported to be in stable condition.