Crime
Who is Cedric Irving Jr? Suspect arrested in shooting death of John Beam
Oakland, California — John Beam, the highly respected Laney College head football coach and athletic director known for shaping generations of athletes and gaining national recognition through the Netflix documentary series Last Chance U, died Friday morning from gunshot injuries sustained on campus the previous day. He was 66 years old.
Beam was shot inside the Laney College fieldhouse shortly before noon Thursday in what investigators described as a targeted attack.
He was transported to Highland Hospital, where family, friends, and former players gathered overnight. Authorities confirmed he passed away at approximately 10 a.m. Friday.
Oakland police announced the arrest of 27-year-old Cedric Irving Jr. early Friday at the San Leandro BART station.
Acting Police Chief James Beere stated that Irving, a resident of Oakland, was identified as a suspect through extensive surveillance review.
According to Beere, Irving told investigators he was acquainted with Beam, though they did not have a personal relationship.
Investigators emphasized the attack was intentional and not connected to robbery or a random act.
“This was a specific, targeted incident,” Beere said. “We do not believe the suspect was a student or employee of Laney College.”
Police confirmed Irving previously played football at Skyline High School but never worked with or played under Beam.
Authorities also recovered a firearm believed to be used in the shooting, matching the caliber of shell casings found at the scene.
The case had not yet been submitted to prosecutors as of Friday afternoon, and a motive remains under investigation.
Chief Beere detailed the coordinated investigative effort, which included reviewing hundreds of hours of video from residential security systems, campus cameras, private businesses, and public transit.
“We used every legally available source of video,” Beere said. “A deputy ultimately recognized the suspect from bus surveillance footage, leading to the arrest.”
Authorities credited rapid response and interagency support for the quick apprehension.
Beam’s family released a written statement expressing profound grief:
“We are devastated that John Beam — our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle — has been taken from us far too soon. John dedicated his life to uplifting others through education, mentorship, and the game he loved. His loss leaves a hole in our family and in the Oakland community he served so passionately.”
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee praised law enforcement efforts and acknowledged the magnitude of the loss:
“Coach Beam was a giant in Oakland — a mentor, educator, and lifeline for thousands of young people. Our city is grieving alongside his family.”
The shooting occurred just one day after a separate school-related shooting at Skyline High School involving a 15-year-old victim, heightening community concern over campus safety.
Family members of the suspect expressed shock and disbelief when informed of the arrest.
Irving’s father said he was not yet prepared to speak publicly, while his brother, Samuael Irving, described Cedric as an academically strong student and athlete who had become increasingly isolated in recent years.
“The Cedric I knew wasn’t capable of murder — but the way things had been going, I honestly don’t know,” his brother said quietly.
Beam spent more than four decades developing student-athletes in the Bay Area, helping hundreds transfer to four-year universities and, in many cases, pursue professional careers.
He led Laney College to a 2018 community college national championship and became widely recognized for his steadfast mentorship, discipline, and commitment to student success.
Former players described him as a father figure and life coach.
“He turned boys into men,” said former athlete Clinton Pugh. “He changed lives.”
Laney College remained under heightened security following the shooting. Authorities confirmed there is no ongoing threat to students or staff.
Police continue to request information from witnesses and community members who may have seen the suspect or events preceding the shooting.
Crime
Angela Johnson and Her Son DeAngelo Johnson Killed After Shooting Inside Home in Chicago, Mother’s Boyfriend in Custody
CHICAGO — A 47-year-old mother and her 27-year-old son were fatally shot inside a residence in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood on the West Side late Thursday night, September 24, 2026, according to Chicago police.
The victims were identified as Angela Johnson, 47, and DeAngelo Johnson, 27. Police said a suspect, identified as Angela Johnson’s boyfriend, was taken into custody following the shooting.
The deadly shooting happened in the 800 block of North Parkside Avenue at approximately 10:43 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots coming from the basement of the residence and called 911.
When Chicago police officers arrived, they found the two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Angela Johnson was found in the basement with a gunshot wound to her chest. Police-radio traffic indicated she had been shot on the right side of her chest.
DeAngelo Johnson was found on the first floor with multiple gunshot wounds. Radio traffic indicated that he had suffered two gunshot wounds to his back.
Both victims were initially unresponsive and in critical condition. Emergency personnel performed CPR on DeAngelo Johnson before both victims were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
According to police-radio traffic, one victim was pronounced dead at approximately 11:18 p.m., while the male victim was pronounced dead around 11:21 p.m.
Investigators found extensive evidence inside the residence, including approximately 23 shell casings in a basement bedroom. Additional shell casings were reportedly recovered in other areas of the basement, including the stairway, main room and bedroom.
Officers initially recovered a firearm and shell casings from the basement bedroom. Police later located a second firearm inside the home, bringing the total number of recovered firearms to two.
Authorities have not publicly stated who owned the firearms or confirmed which weapon, if either, was used in the fatal shooting.
Police also reported that DeAngelo Johnson was wearing an empty holster when officers found him on the first floor. That discovery prompted an officer-safety alert as officers searched the residence for the missing firearm.
Chicago police said the shooting appeared to be domestic-related and identified the alleged offender as the mother’s boyfriend.
Radio traffic indicated that a person had been detained by approximately 11:26 p.m. The official police report later confirmed that the known offender was taken into custody.
Two witnesses were reportedly available to identify the alleged offender, and officers conducted a show-up identification procedure near the scene.
Police have not released additional information about potential charges against the suspect.
The investigation into the Chicago Austin neighborhood double shooting remains ongoing. Detectives are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the shooting, the relationship between the people involved and the role of the two recovered firearms.
The deaths of Angela Johnson and DeAngelo Johnson are being investigated as a double homicide.