Cedric Irving Jr Arrest & Charges: 27-Year-Old Now in Custody Following Fatal Shooting of Legendary Laney College Football Coach John Beam The investigation into the tragic shooting death of legendary Laney College football coach John Beam took a major step forward this week with the arrest of 27-year-old Cedric Irving Jr. Authorities confirmed that Irving was taken into custody without incident and now faces multiple charges, including homicide, in
connection with the fatal shooting that stunned the Oakland athletic community and countless former players whose lives Beam helped shape.The shooting occurred earlier this month, sending shockwaves through the East Bay, where Beam was widely regarded as a transformative figure in youth and community college athletics. Best known nationally for his leadership and mentorship featured on the Netflix series *Last Chance U*,
Beam spent decades coaching at Skyline High School and later at Laney College, where he lifted countless young athletes onto paths of stability, discipline, and opportunity. Although Irving played football at Skyline High School, his time there did not overlap with Beam’s coaching tenure, and investigators have not indicated any personal connection between the two.
Authorities have not yet released a possible motive, but they emphasized that the arrest came after days of intensive investigative work, including witness interviews and the review of surveillance footage. Irving is expected to appear in court later this week, where formal charges will be presented.For the Oakland sports community, Irving’s arrest brings some measure of movement in a case that has left many heartbroken.
Beam’s former players, colleagues, and students continue to mourn the loss of a man celebrated not only for his football knowledge but for his belief in second chances and his commitment to guiding young men through life’s toughest challenges.As the legal process unfolds, tributes to John Beam continue to grow across the Bay Area—each one honoring a coach whose legacy of leadership, loyalty, and love for the game will endure far beyond his years on the field.
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