Concerns Raised Before Tragic Shooting of Coach John Beam
John Beam, a well-known figure from “Last Chance U” and a college football coach, expressed his worries about safety at Laney College just days before he was fatally shot in what authorities believe was a targeted attack.
At an event titled “Taco Bout Safety” on November 12, Beam, 66, voiced his discomfort regarding security on campus, especially around the fieldhouse, following recent incidents of theft and fires in the vicinity.
He mentioned that a security contractor had shown him footage of a theft at the fieldhouse, but security personnel failed to intervene or apprehend the suspects.
Beam speculated that insufficient security coverage across the four campuses in the Peralta Community College District might be the issue. “Six security guards for four campuses, 24/7? How is that supposed to work?” he questioned.
His concerns were compounded by the fact that armed police patrols, which had previously safeguarded the campus, were no longer in place. Since 2020, Laney College has relied solely on unarmed security guards after ending its contract with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office.
On November 13, the Alameda County Prosecutor’s Office announced charges against Cedric Irving Jr., 27, for the murder of Beam.
According to reports, Beam was shot in the head on campus and later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital. Police identified Irving through surveillance footage and apprehended him in the early hours of November 14.
Irving reportedly had an obsession with Beam and claimed he acted out of a belief that Beam had used black magic against him and others, as indicated by sources. Interestingly, Irving had played at Skyline High School, where Beam had coached for over two decades.
Oakland Police Deputy Chief James Beer described the shooting as targeted, highlighting that while the two men didn’t interact on the field, they were indeed familiar with each other. Irving had a tendency to frequent Laney’s campus.
At a court appearance on November 18, Irving faced multiple charges, including murder, and showed up in simplistic attire, possibly as a precaution against self-harm. He remains in custody without bail, with a next court date set for December 16. A conviction could lead to a lengthy prison sentence.
Meanwhile, the investigation is still ongoing, and the motive for Beam’s murder has not yet been established.
Samuel Irving, the suspect’s brother, expressed disbelief upon learning of his brother’s involvement in the crime. “I was shocked,” he stated, adding that Cedric had distanced himself from their family prior to the incident. He wished Cedric could have reached out for support, noting, “We are family.”
Samuel mentioned that Cedric may have practiced with the Laney team during his time as a varsity player from 2016 to 2017, although he couldn’t recall specific details.
Beam was celebrated for the strong bonds he formed with his players and his success in mentoring them toward opportunities in higher education. He became the head coach at Laney in 2012 after joining the staff in 2004 and gained further recognition from his appearance in “Last Chance U.” Remarkably, twenty of his former players made it to the NFL.
