The shocking murder of a beloved college football coach and Netflix star has taken a bizarre and disturbing turn, with the accused killer claiming the victim used 'witchcraft' against him. John Beam, the 66-year-old athletic director at Laney College in Oakland and a central figure in the popular Netflix series 'Last Chance U,' was fatally shot in a targeted attack last month, sending ripples of grief through the sports community.
The Fatal Shooting and Bizarre Allegation
John Beam was shot at the Laney College athletics field house before noon last month. Police responded swiftly to reports of gunfire and found the coach with a critical gunshot wound to the head. He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries the following day.
The investigation led to the arrest of 27-year-old Cedric Irving Jr. at the San Leandro BART station the next morning. He now faces murder charges along with several sentence enhancements, which could see him imprisoned for 50 years to life if convicted. During questioning, Irving made a startling claim to the police. He alleged that John Beam had put a 'witchcraft' or a 'hex' on him, providing a chilling and unusual motive for the violent act.
Officers recovered a firearm from one of Irving's bags. In a probable cause statement, police noted that Irving admitted the gun was his and confessed to using it to shoot Beam. He is currently being held without bail at the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin.
No Prior Relationship, A Community in Mourning
Despite the accused knowing who Beam was, Oakland Police Department Acting Chief James Beere clarified that investigators found no personal relationship between Cedric Irving Jr. and John Beam. "They did not have a relationship," Beere stated, ruling out a personal grudge in the traditional sense.
At his initial court appearance, Irving did not enter a plea. He was seen behind glass wearing a 'modesty garment' to prevent self-harm, with witnesses describing him as wide-eyed during the proceedings. His formal arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday, December 16.
The loss has devastated a community that held Beam in the highest esteem. With over four decades of coaching college football, he was a father figure to countless players. His role in 'Last Chance U,' which followed him and the Laney Eagles during the 2020 season, made him a nationally recognized figure. Even after retiring from coaching last year, he remained dedicated as the college's athletic director.
Prior Safety Concerns and Legal Proceedings
In a tragic foreshadowing, John Beam had previously expressed worries about security on the Laney College campus. He had spoken about incidents including a nearby fire, a break-in at the field house, and his feeling of increased vulnerability after armed deputies from the Alameda County Sheriff's Office stopped guarding the campus. The college's contract with the sheriff's office ended in 2020, after which the institution hired unarmed security personnel.
Prosecutors have indicated that Cedric Irving Jr. has no prior criminal record, adding another layer of complexity to the case. As the legal process moves forward, the world of college football and the Laney College community continue to grieve for a coach whose legacy extends far beyond the field.
