Cedric Irving: Junior| John Beam| Shooter| Who is

Cedric Irving Jr.: The Man Accused of Shooting John Beam

On November 13, 2025, a deeply tragic incident at Laney College in Oakland, California, shocked both the local community and fans worldwide: John Beam, the beloved former football coach and athletic director, was shot. He later died from his injuries. The suspect arrested in connection with this shooting is Cedric Irving Jr., 27 years old.

This article dives into who Cedric Irving Jr. is, his connection (or lack thereof) with Coach John Beam, and what is known so far about the case.

Who Was John Beam?

To understand the gravity of this event, it’s important to recall who John Beam was:

• John Beam was a highly respected football coach in Oakland, known for his years at Skyline High School and later at Laney College.

• He became even more widely recognized when he appeared on Netflix’s “Last Chance U”, a documentary series highlighting junior college football and the stories of young athletes.

• Under his leadership at Laney College, Beam helped elevate the football program and was known as a mentor, educator, and a pillar in the Oakland community.

Who Is Cedric Irving Jr.?

Here’s what is currently known about Cedric Irving Jr. — the man arrested in connection with Beam’s shooting:

1. Arrest and Charges

   • Irving was arrested early on November 14, 2025, at a BART station in the San Leandro area.

   • Authorities described the shooting as “very targeted.”

   • A firearm was recovered from Irving, and police say its caliber matched the shell casings found at the crime scene.

2. Connection to John Beam

   • According to Oakland Police, Irving and Beam “knew each other,” but they did not have a close relationship.

   • Police say Irving was on the Laney College campus “for a specific reason,” though they have not disclosed what that reason was.

   • Importantly, Irving was not a student at Laney College, according to the police.

3. Background

   • Irving played football at Skyline High School, but not while Beam was coaching there.

   • His brother, Samuael Irving, has said that Cedric was once a promising student-athlete — academically strong and involved in sports.

   • According to reports, Irving lost a job as a security guard after an altercation and was evicted from his apartment, indicating possible personal or financial struggles.

4. Investigation Status

   • Motive: As of now, no clear motive has been publicly confirmed by the police.

   • Police tracked Irving using surveillance footage from the campus, nearby businesses, buses, and homes.

   • The investigation is ongoing, and the authorities are reportedly doing a “deep dive” into Irving’s background.

Why This Case Is Particularly Heartbreaking

• Beam’s Legacy: John Beam was more than just a coach — he was a mentor, leader, and father-figure for many young athletes. His work at Laney College and Skyline High School changed hundreds of lives.

• Targeted Nature: The police’s description of the shooting as “very targeted” raises serious questions. This doesn’t appear to be a random act of violence, but something planned — and possibly personal.

• Community Shock: Oakland and the broader community are mourning deeply. Beam’s death is felt not only in the sporting world but among those he mentored and supported.

• Gun Violence: The incident has also reignited concerns about violence on college campuses, especially when it involves individuals who dedicated their lives to community-building.

What’s Next?

• Legal Proceedings: Irving is expected to face formal charges. The community and media are closely watching how the case unfolds.

• Motive Investigation: Authorities are investigating Irving’s past — his connection to Beam, possible grievances, or other triggers.

• Community Reactions: As news spreads, many former players, students, and community leaders are speaking out, paying tribute to Beam, and demanding action on gun violence.

Conclusion

Cedric Irving Jr. has been arrested in the fatal shooting of John Beam, a legendary coach from Oakland whose life and work were deeply woven into his community. While the full motive remains unclear, several facts stand out: Irving knew Beam but they weren’t close, he had a history with the same high school where Beam once coached, and law enforcement describes the shooting as “targeted.” As the legal case progresses, the community continues to grapple with the loss of a mentor and the shock of violence in a place that meant so much to so many.