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
Saylor Graham, 7, Fights to Recover After Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting as Teacher Becky Drury Faces Long Recovery
BEND, Oregon — Seven-year-old Saylor Graham is recovering from life-threatening injuries after being shot at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on October 15, 2026. Meanwhile, 54-year-old teacher Becky Drury is beginning a lengthy recovery after suffering gunshot wounds to her left arm and right hand during the deadly school shooting.
The latest updates from the two families offer a glimpse of the difficult road ahead for survivors of a tragedy that claimed the lives of three children and a teacher, leaving families, classmates, and the wider Bend community grieving.
Saylor Graham, described by her family as a loving, feisty girl with a strong determination to thrive, was shot in the jaw during the shooting, according to the information shared by her family and supporters. She was airlifted from Bend for medical treatment.
Her family says the 7-year-old has already faced numerous medical challenges throughout her young life. Now, she is confronting another devastating ordeal, with her parents remaining by her side as she receives treatment and begins the recovery process.
Updates shared about Saylor’s condition have differed. An earlier account described her as being in critical condition, while a later update reported that she was in serious but stable condition. Her latest status should be confirmed with her family or an official source before publication.
For Saylor’s parents, the emotional strain is accompanied by significant financial uncertainty. Both parents are self-employed, and the demands of remaining at the hospital have sharply limited their ability to work. They must also manage medical expenses, transportation, lodging, household bills, and the needs of their other child.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been organized to help Saylor’s family manage the financial pressures arising from her injuries and ongoing treatment.
The fundraiser describes Saylor as a daughter, sister, and niece whose determination has carried her through numerous medical challenges. It explains that the family is facing uncertainty as they remain close to her during recovery.
The appeal states that donations will help cover hospital bills, time away from work, lodging, transportation, and other urgent family expenses.
The fundraiser also asks supporters to keep Saylor and her loved ones in their thoughts and prayers, emphasizing that every contribution and act of kindness can make a difference during this difficult time.
Readers who wish to support Saylor’s recovery can find the fundraiser through the link shared by her family or the original organizer. The campaign details and donation link should be verified before being shared.
Becky Drury, 54, a teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School, was also wounded in the shooting. She suffered gunshot injuries to her left arm and right hand and has undergone surgery.
Her husband, Will, shared a hopeful update, saying the operation went well. However, the injuries to her left arm were extensive, and she is expected to require additional procedures and a prolonged recovery.
Despite the difficult road ahead, her husband’s message offered a moment of relief amid the grief surrounding the shooting.
“The good news is she will be ok and we all get to keep that magnificent woman we love so much in our lives,” he said.
His words reflect the gratitude of a family facing a frightening and uncertain recovery while knowing that Becky survived.
The shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School left three children and one teacher dead, according to the information provided in reports about the incident.
Five-year-old Rhoam Summer has been publicly identified among the children killed. Megan Lambert, 25, a teacher also known as “Coach Megan,” was identified as the adult victim. Two other children, ages 8 and 11, were also killed.
Their deaths have left four families facing an unimaginable loss. While Saylor and Becky continue their recoveries, the families of those who died are beginning a different and heartbreaking journey of grief.
The contrast between the survivors’ fight to recover and the families’ permanent loss has become one of the most painful realities of the tragedy.
For Saylor’s family, every update about her condition carries enormous significance. Her parents are navigating the uncertainty of their daughter’s recovery while trying to remain present for her and care for their family.
For Becky Drury’s loved ones, the successful surgery has brought relief, even as further treatment and rehabilitation lie ahead.
Their stories do not erase the devastating loss experienced by the families of the victims. Instead, they highlight the many ways the shooting has changed lives and the long road that survivors and loved ones must now face.
As Bend mourns the children and teacher who did not return home, the community continues to hope for Saylor’s recovery and for Becky to regain her health.
Saylor Graham and Becky Drury are among those still fighting their way forward after the Silver Rail Elementary School shooting. Their families are asking for support, compassion, and privacy as they face the difficult days ahead.