Judge deems suspect accused of killing Coach John Beam mentally incompetent to stand trial

Updated 2 hours ago
OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- An Alameda County judge on Friday deemed the man accused of shooting and killing legendary Oakland football coach John Beam mentally incompetent to stand trial, according to the district attorney's office.

This comes after the case was suspended in January as the suspect, Cedric Irving Jr., underwent psychological evaluations.

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The DA's office says this ruling could mean that Irving Jr. is "remanded to custody of the California Department of State Hospitals for commitment."

The next court date is set for May 8.



On Nov. 13, 2025, officers arrived at Laney College to find Beam, 66, wounded at the athletics field house. He was treated at a hospital, but died the following day from his injuries.

Irving was arrested at a commuter rail station just after 3 a.m. the next day. He was carrying the firearm used to shoot Beam, and he admitted to carrying out the shooting, according to court documents.

Beam was a giant in the local community, a father figure who forged deep relationships with his players while fielding a team that regularly competed for championships. The Netflix docuseries "Last Chance U" focused on Beam and the Laney Eagles in its 2020 season. He'd most recently been serving as the school's athletic director after retiring from coaching last year.

VIDEO: What to know about Laney College Athletic Director John Beam who was shot on Oakland campus
Legendary Oakland Coach John Beam being treated at hospital after shooting


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