Suspect Arrested in Shooting of ‘Last Chance U’ Coach John Beam
UPDATE: A suspect has been arrested in the shocking shooting of renowned football coach John Beam at Laney College in Oakland, California. Authorities apprehended Cedric Irving Jr., a 27-year-old Oakland man, early today around 3 a.m. at the San Leandro BART station, following a frantic manhunt.
The arrest brings a significant development in the case of Coach Beam, who gained national fame in 2020 through the Netflix series “Last Chance U.” He was shot just before noon on October 12, 2023, inside the college’s Field House, leaving him critically injured and hospitalized.
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee expressed her gratitude for the swift action of law enforcement, stating, “This arrest is a testament to the effective collaboration and dedication of our law enforcement community.” The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and it is currently unknown whether Irving had any prior connection to Beam, who has been a pivotal figure in Oakland’s sports landscape.
This incident follows a separate shooting at Skyline High School, which occurred less than 24 hours earlier. In that incident, a 15-year-old boy was shot in a bathroom after a confrontation, leading to the detention of two teenagers aged 15 and 16. Investigators recovered two semi-automatic firearms from the scene. Authorities have confirmed that the two shootings are unrelated.
Beam’s legacy stretches back decades; he coached at Skyline High School for 22 years, gaining a reputation for winning league championships consistently. He transitioned to Laney College in 2004, where he continued to excel, culminating in a championship victory in 2018.
As the investigation continues, the community seeks answers and justice for Coach Beam, whose contributions to youth sports have left a lasting impact on many. The situation remains fluid, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.
Stay tuned for further developments in this urgent story.
