Oakland Man Charged in Murder of Laney College Football Coach John Beam

2025/11/18 04:28:30

An Oakland,Calif.,man was charged with murder Monday for the “targeted” assassination of legendary Laney College football coach John Beam,who he allegedly shot because he believed the star of Netflix’s “Last Chance U” was using “witchcraft” on him,according to a report.

Alameda County prosecutors announced charges against Cedric Irving Jr., 27, on Monday afternoon after Beam, the athletics director at Laney college, was shot in the head on campus Thursday and died the next morning.

The Shooting and the Victim

John Beam, a highly respected figure in the Bay Area football community, was shot on the Laney College campus on Thursday. He succumbed to his injuries the following morning. Beam was known for his successful coaching career and his role in revitalizing the Laney College football program. he gained national recognition through his appearance in the Netflix docuseries “Last Chance U,” which chronicled the team’s journey.

The Accused: Cedric Irving Jr.

Cedric Irving Jr., 27, a former high school football player, has been identified as the suspect. prosecutors allege that Irving believed Beam was practicing witchcraft and targeted him as a result. Details surrounding Irving’s alleged beliefs and the events leading up to the shooting are still emerging.

Motive: Allegations of Witchcraft

The alleged motive centers around Irving’s belief that Beam was involved in witchcraft. While the specifics of this belief remain unclear, it appears to have driven Irving to commit the violent act. This unusual motive has drawn significant attention to the case.

Examination and Charges

Alameda County prosecutors have filed murder charges against Irving. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to gather further evidence and understand the full circumstances surrounding the shooting. The case is expected to proceed through the court system,with Irving facing a possibly lengthy prison sentence if convicted.

key Takeaways

• John Beam, the athletics director at Laney College and star of “Last chance U,” was fatally shot on campus.
• Cedric Irving Jr. has been charged with murder in connection with the shooting.
• The alleged motive is Irving’s belief that Beam was practicing witchcraft.
• The investigation is ongoing, and the case will proceed through the court system.