OAKLAND, Calif. — The 27-year-old man charged with shooting the widely beloved and former Oakland community college football coach John Beam made an initial court appearance Tuesday and will continue to be held without bail.
Cedric Irving Jr. has been charged with murder and multiple sentencing enhancements in Beam's death, and he could face 50 years to life in prison if convicted, according to Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson.
Irving, who appeared wearing a sleeveless, padded vest, did not enter a plea Tuesday. He did not speak and could not be seen by most people in the courtroom as he was inside an enclosed area for defendants. His attorney, Sydney Levin of the county's public defender's office, said Irving was waiving a formal arraignment, and the judge granted her request to enter a plea Dec. 16.
Prosecutors have not provided a possible motive for the shooting at Laney College, which is in downtown Oakland. Irving has no criminal record, the district attorney has said.
Brendon Woods, the county's chief public defender, said in a statement issued after Tuesday's hearing that Irving's mental health could play a ''significant role'' in the case.
''The death of Coach Beam is incredibly sad, and the community is mourning his loss. We're still waiting to receive the bulk of the evidence and getting to know our client,'' he said.
The courtroom on Tuesday was packed with reporters and friends and family of the legendary coach, who craned to get a look at Irving.
Beam, 66, 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.
