Oakland Coach Murder Suspect Faces Court Charges, No Bail Set

A 27-year-old man, Cedric Irving Jr., charged with the murder of former Oakland community college football coach John Beam, made his initial court appearance on Tuesday. Currently, Irving remains in custody without bail, facing severe charges that could lead to a sentence of 50 years to life in prison if convicted. Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson confirmed the seriousness of the charges during a news conference held on Monday.

Irving did not enter a plea during the brief court session, and his next arraignment is scheduled for December 16, 2023. At this stage, prosecutors have not disclosed a motive for the shooting that occurred at Laney College.

John Beam, aged 66, was a prominent figure in the Oakland community, known for his mentorship and deep connections with his players. He served as the head coach of the Laney Eagles after joining the college in 2004, leading the team to two league championships. His tenure was highlighted in the Netflix docuseries Last Chance U, which featured the team’s 2020 season. Beam had recently transitioned to the role of athletic director after retiring from coaching in 2022.

The shooting incident took place on Thursday before noon, when officers responded to reports of gunfire at the athletics field house. Beam was found with a gunshot wound to the head and was taken to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries the following day.

Irving was apprehended early Friday morning at a commuter rail station, where he was found with the firearm believed to have been used in the shooting. According to a probable cause document, he admitted to carrying out the attack, leading Oakland police to characterize the shooting as “very targeted.”

The violent incident has added to the concerns surrounding safety in Oakland, which has recently experienced back-to-back shootings at local schools. Just a day before the attack on Beam, a student was wounded at Skyline High School, further alarming residents in the city of approximately 400,000 people.

Irving does not have a prior criminal record, as confirmed by the district attorney’s office. The community now awaits further developments in this tragic case, with Beam remembered for his significant contributions to youth sports and his impact on countless young athletes.