Cedric Irving Jr. Is the Suspect Accused in John Beam Shooting
Cedric Irving Jr. has been identified as the suspect accused of shooting beloved coach John Beam, who was featured on the Netflix series Last Chance U. Tragically, Beam has now died from his wounds.
- Oakland police confirmed in a press conference that Irving is the suspect and was arrested at a BART station after an officer recognized him from surveillance photos.
- It's not yet clear how Cedric Irving Jr. knew Beam, who was shot on the campus of Laney College in California. However, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that "the suspect allegedly told police that he knew Beam and confessed to the shooting."
- Beam, who helped turn troubled players into NFL-worthy professionals, was shot in the head, according to ABC 7.
- Oakland Police Assistant Chief James Beere said in the news conference that Irving played high school football at Skyline High School in the City of Oakland, but he never played for Coach Beam. "The suspect did know Coach Beam," he said. "But I would say that they did not have a relationship. He was on campus for a specific reason." Beere did not detail that reason.
- Beere added, "This wasn't related to a robbery. This was a very targeted incident. And I would say that Coach Beam, although they didn't have a close relationship, was open to helping anyone in our community."
- He said that "the individual that was arrested went specifically to the campus for a specific reason. He has been known to loiter on or around the campus." He would not discuss the motive but said Irving was not a student at Laney College, and authorities are doing a "deep dive into his background." But he said Irving was "not known to the Oakland Police Department.
In addition to the Netflix series, Beam was beloved in the Oakland, CA, area for his mentorship of youth. The shooting occurred on the campus of Laney College, authorities said in a news release.
Coach John Beam's Family Released a Statement Saying They Are 'Devastated'
In the press conference, Piedmont Chief Frederick Shavies read a statement from Beam's family.
"We are devastated that John Beam, our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, coach, mentor, and friend has passed. Our hearts are full from the outpouring of love and support from all who cared about him," the family's statement said.
Shavies said he was a "mentee" and "long-time admirer of John Beam," calling him a "father figure to thousands of young men and young women in our community." Shavies said people held vigil for Beam at the hospital. He said he met the coach when he was in the 8th grade.
"I never had the opportunity to play for Coach Beam, but he had meant so much to me," said Shavies, noting that he lost his father in high school. He said the coach had always "reached out to me, and it's not just me."
Cedric Irving Jr. Was Spotted by a Sheriff's Deputy, a Report Says
According to the Press Democrat, Irving "was spotted by an Alameda County Sheriff’s deputy who recognized him from surveillance footage." He is 27 years old and is from Oakland.
The motive is not clear.
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee described Beam's impact on the community in an X post. "Coach Beam is a giant in Oakland - a mentor, an educator, and a lifeline for thousands of young people. For over 40 years, he has shaped leaders on and off the field, and our community is shaken alongside his family," she wrote.
"This is the second shooting on an Oakland campus in two days, and it is devastating. Schools should be the safest spaces in our city. We need guns off our streets now. We are standing together, praying for Coach Beam and his loved ones," she added.
According to the Press Democrat, she confirmed the suspect's arrest, saying, “I’m grateful to the Oakland Police Department and our dedicated law enforcement partners for their swift work in making an arrest in the shooting of Coach Beam. This arrest is a testament to the effective collaboration and dedication of our law enforcement community.”
Coach John Beam Was Shot at Laney College & Taken to the Hospital
“The Peralta Community College District wants to make you aware of an incident that occurred at Laney College earlier today,” the initial news release confirmed on November 13.
“The individual was immediately transported to a local hospital, and we are keeping them—and their loved ones—in our hearts during this incredibly difficult time. Out of respect for their privacy, we are not releasing their name at this moment,” the release says.
“Laney College was under active lockdown as law enforcement authorities secured the campus and investigated the situation,” the release added. “Oakland Police Department has confirmed there’s no longer an active threat and the campus lockdown has been lifted; however, the campus is closed for the rest of the day.”