Cedric Irving Jr. has been charged with murder and firearm offenses after allegedly shooting former Laney College coach and athletic director John Beam on campus. Beam was shot on Nov. 13 and died the next day. Law enforcement sources say Irving claimed Beam had used "witchcraft" and may have been fixated on him. Prosecutors say a murder conviction could carry 50 years to life.
Former Laney Coach John Beam Fatally Shot; Suspect Allegedly Claimed 'Witchcraft' Motive
Cedric Irving Jr. has been charged with murder and firearm offenses after allegedly shooting former Laney College coach and athletic director John Beam on campus. Beam was shot on Nov. 13 and died the next day. Law enforcement sources say Irving claimed Beam had used "witchcraft" and may have been fixated on him. Prosecutors say a murder conviction could carry 50 years to life.
10:51 PM, 11/19/2025Society
Cedric Irving Jr. has been charged with murder and firearm offenses after authorities say he fatally shot John Beam, the longtime football coach and athletic director at Laney College, on the college campus in Oakland, California. Beam was shot on Nov. 13 and died the following day.
Investigation and charges
According to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, Irving faces counts of murder and use of a firearm; a murder conviction could carry a sentence of 50 years to life. Law enforcement sources told local investigators that Irving allegedly told them he believed Beam had used "witchcraft" against him. Investigators have also said Irving may have been fixated on Beam prior to the attack.
Police description and motive
Oakland police described the shooting as targeted. Assistant Chief James Beere said the two men did not have a close relationship but that Beam was widely known for reaching out to people he thought needed help. Officials continue to investigate Irving's motive and any prior contact between the men.
Community response and legacy
Beam retired from coaching in 2024 but remained Laney's athletic director. His team appeared on the 2020 season of the Netflix documentary series Last Chance U, and he was widely regarded as a mentor and leader in Oakland for more than four decades.
"On behalf of the Alameda County District Attorney's Office, and my personal family, I wish to express our deepest condolences to Coach John Beam's family," District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson said. "Coach Beam represents the best of Oakland. Just as Coach Beam’s love for community has been felt for decades, so will his loss."
"Coach Beam is a giant in Oakland - a mentor, an educator, and a lifeline for thousands of young people," Mayor Barbara Lee added, noting the community is shaken by his death.
Authorities are preparing the case for prosecution and continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses as the investigation proceeds.