Beloved Netflix Football Coach John Beam Killed in Oakland College Shooting
The man accused of murdering celebrated football coach and Netflix personality John Beam has been pictured for the first time as shocking details emerge about the targeted campus shooting. Cedric Irving Jr, 27, was taken into custody early Friday morning following the alleged shooting of the 66-year-old athletic director at Laney College in Oakland.
Family's Heartbreak and Suspect's Background
In an emotional interview, Irving Jr's brother Samuael revealed the family's devastation, stating he was "shocked" and heartbroken by the events. "Hearing about my brother's arrest shocked me a lot," Samuael told NBC Bay Area. "It made me tear up. I couldn't believe he would have done such a thing like this."
Samuael disclosed he was the one who informed their parents about their son's arrest, with both reacting with equal disbelief. The family's grief was further evidenced when NBC Bay Area visited an address listed for Irving's father in Ashland, where a man on the brink of tears declined to comment, saying he needed to "wait until all the facts come out."
Investigators revealed Irving Jr had become increasingly distant after graduating from Skyline High School, where he played tight end for the varsity team in 2016 and 2017. Samuael noted his brother had shown "animosity" towards family members and that their last conversation occurred approximately five months ago.
Tragic Incident and Investigation Details
The shooting occurred on Thursday near the fieldhouse at Laney College's campus, where Beam served as athletic director. Police confirmed Beam was shot in the head and rushed to hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Oakland Assistant Chief James Beere described the incident as "very targeted," revealing that Irving Jr was known to loiter around the campus and had been there for a "specific reason," though he didn't elaborate further. While Irving Jr attended Skyline High School where Beam previously worked, their tenures didn't overlap.
Irving Jr was apprehended without altercation at around 3am on Friday morning at San Leandro BART station. Police credited surveillance technology from the college campus, private residences and public transit with facilitating the arrest. Authorities confirmed a firearm has been recovered, though charges remain pending.
Legacy of a Beloved Coach and Community Outpouring
John Beam, who starred in Netflix's 2020 college football docuseries 'Last Chance U', leaves behind his wife Cindi, two daughters and two granddaughters. His family described him as a "loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, coach, mentor and friend" in an official statement.
Beam's coaching career spanned over four decades, beginning as an offensive line coach at Serra High School in San Diego. After moving to Oakland, he joined Skyline High School as defensive coordinator in 1982, becoming head coach five years later and overseeing an exceptionally successful period including 15 championships and four undefeated seasons.
He joined Laney College in 2004, initially as running backs coach before becoming offensive coordinator and eventually head coach in 2012, guiding the team to two league titles and four bowl games. The Netflix series highlighted his unique approach of gambling on players other coaches had overlooked while building deep relationships and competitive teams.
Tributes have flooded in from across the sports community, with Piedmont Police Chief Frederick Shavies calling Beam an "absolutely incredible human being." Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee noted his legacy was "measured in the thousands of young people he believed in, mentored, and refused to abandon," while condemning the gun violence that "stole the life of a man who dedicated himself to building up the young people of this city."
Former players including NFL stars CJ Anderson, Nahshon Wright and Rejzohn Wright shared emotional social media tributes, with Anderson urging his old coach to "keep fighting" while in hospital. Floral tributes began appearing at Laney College on Friday as the community mourned the loss of an educational and sporting icon.
