Suspect in Custody for Murder of Laney College’s Athletic Director
By Jim Emerson
OAKLAND, CA — Cedric A. Irving, 27, of Oakland, remains in custody ineligible for release on
bond, pending a plea hearing on December 16.
Irving allegedly murdered 66-year-old John Beam, athletic director at Laney College, who was fatally shot on November 13.
An Alameda County Sheriff’s Office deputy arrested Irving on November 14 at 4:01 a.m., near
the San Leandro Bart Station.
A firearm was recovered from a bag that Irving was carrying, and he was booked at Alameda County Santa Rita Jail.
Irving was known to loiter around the Laney campus, although he was not enrolled there as a
student. Investigators identified Irving as the shooting suspect with evidence recorded on
surveillance video.
The suspect reportedly had some kind of grievance with the victim. Irving allegedly walked
into a building adjacent to an athletic field on campus, and shot Beam on December 13. The
suspect fled the scene shortly after noon riding on a bus.
Beam died the following day at a nearby hospital. In addition to working at Laney College,
Beam appeared as coach in a Netflix television series.
The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office announced on November 17 that Irving has
been charged with murder. He also faces special enhancement charges for intentional
discharge of a firearm to cause great bodily harm, and engaging in violent conduct.
“If convicted as charged, he could serve a term in state prison of 50 years to life,” according to
a prepared statement from the DA’s office.
