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
Who Is the Hero Teacher, Threw a Phone at Gunman John J. Griffin II, Tackled Him, and Fought Back During the Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting?
Another Unamed Hero in Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting: Teacher throwing phone at gunman Griffin J. John II who attacked , tackling him and fighting him.
Anyone Know Her Name? She Must Be Praised Just Like Kaylub Giamanco
BEND, Oregon — Becky Drury, a 54-year-old teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, sustained serious injuries during the deadly school shooting on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Drury suffered gunshot wounds to her left arm and right hand and underwent surgery, according to the information shared about the incident.
As Drury begins what could be a lengthy recovery, new details have also emerged about the reported actions of another teacher who allegedly confronted the gunman during the attack. According to the account attributed to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz during a press conference, the unidentified teacher threw a phone at the suspect, tackled him, and fought back.
The teacher reportedly escaped the confrontation without physical injuries. Officials were said to have clarified that earlier information suggesting the teacher had been injured was incorrect.
Drury was among those injured in the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School. She sustained injuries to her left arm and right hand and required surgery.
Although the injuries were described as serious, the information provided indicates that she survived the operation. Her recovery may involve additional medical treatment, rehabilitation, and emotional support as she works to recover from the traumatic experience.
Her family, colleagues, students, and community members are hoping for her continued improvement and a successful recovery.
The shooting has left the school community dealing with grief, fear, and uncertainty. For those injured, the challenges extend beyond immediate medical care, as they and their loved ones face the psychological and emotional consequences of the violence.
Additional details attributed to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz describe the actions of another Silver Rail Elementary School teacher who reportedly confronted the gunman during the attack.
According to the account provided, the unidentified teacher threw a phone at the suspect, tackled him, and physically fought back. The teacher was reportedly not injured, contrary to earlier information about the confrontation.
The teacher’s reported actions have drawn attention because confronting an armed attacker can involve extraordinary personal risk. However, the precise sequence of events and the extent to which the confrontation affected the outcome should be established through official statements and investigative findings.
The teacher’s identity has not been provided in the supplied information. Protecting that person’s privacy may be particularly important while the school community and those directly involved continue to process the incident.
The supplied account also identifies Kaylub Giamanco as the person who reportedly shot and killed the suspect during the incident.
The suspect has been identified in earlier reports as John J. Griffin II, a 16-year-old. However, the exact spelling and order of the suspect’s name should be confirmed against official law enforcement records before publication.
The reported intervention by Giamanco and the actions attributed to the unidentified teacher are separate aspects of the developing account. Their precise roles and the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death should be described using verified statements from investigators.
As Becky Drury faces recovery, messages of support and prayers are being shared for her and everyone affected by the shooting.
Teachers and school staff often play a central role in supporting children, particularly during frightening and uncertain situations. The reported actions of Drury’s colleague have prompted expressions of appreciation, although the full circumstances should be confirmed before drawing definitive conclusions about what happened.
The emotional impact of a school shooting can continue long after the immediate danger has passed. Survivors, families, students, educators, and first responders may need access to counseling, mental health resources, and other forms of assistance.
Community support may also help families and injured staff members manage medical costs, time away from work, and other practical challenges during recovery.
The Silver Rail Elementary School shooting has left the Bend community confronting profound loss and uncertainty. As families mourn those who died, attention is also turning to the survivors who must navigate the difficult process of healing.
Becky Drury’s recovery remains an important concern for her loved ones and colleagues. The unidentified teacher who reportedly confronted the gunman may also need emotional support after experiencing such a traumatic event, even without physical injuries.
Prayers and support are being extended to Becky Drury, her family, the teacher who reportedly intervened, and every student, family, and staff member affected by the tragedy.