John Beam, a well-known former football coach who was shot in the head on the Oakland junior college campus where he taught, passed away on Friday. A 27-year-old man was charged with murder on Monday.
At a press conference on Monday, Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson stated that Cedric Irving Jr. may receive a sentence of 50 years to life if found guilty. According to the charging complaint, Irving is additionally charged with enhancement on the grounds that he personally shot a gun that caused serious bodily harm and that the victim was especially susceptible, perhaps because of age.
Beam, 66, was a titan of the neighborhood, a father figure who cultivated close bonds with his players while leading a squad that frequently contested for titles. In its 2020 season, the Netflix documentary series “Last Chance U” centered on Beam and the Laney Eagles. After retiring from coaching last year, he most recently held the position of athletic director at the institution.
Jones Dickson stated:
“He really is the best of Oakland — was the best of Oakland,”. “His spirit is still here.”
Irving had no criminal history, according to the district attorney. His arraignment is set on Tuesday, and he is being held without bail. The Alameda County Public Defender’s Office declined to comment and stated that it has not been assigned to represent Irving.
Oakland, a 400,000-person metropolis across the bay from San Francisco, was rocked by consecutive shootings at two schools last week.
