The individual accused of the tragic killing of renowned college football coach John Beam is now potentially facing a lengthy prison sentence of at least 50 years, according to recent reports. This case has captured widespread attention due to the high-profile nature of the victim.

Cedric Irving Jr., aged 27, was apprehended early Friday morning. He faces allegations of fatally shooting the 66-year-old Beam, who was serving as the athletic director at Laney College in Oakland. The incident occurred on the college campus, marking a somber day for the institution.

As Irving’s arraignment approaches, the Mercury News reports that he has been formally charged with murder. Additionally, there are enhancements tied to the charges, including the allegation that he personally discharged a firearm. Further aggravating factors include accusations of targeting a ‘vulnerable’ victim and inflicting significant bodily harm.

John Beam, a beloved figure known for his appearance on the Netflix docuseries ‘Last Chance U’ in 2020, was allegedly shot in the head by Irving Jr. near the fieldhouse at Laney College. Beam, dedicated to his role as the school’s athletic director, was tragically unable to recover from his injuries despite being rushed to the hospital.

The arrest of Irving Jr. took place without incident around 3 a.m. Friday morning at the San Leandro BART station. This swift action was largely attributed to advanced surveillance technology, including cameras positioned on the college campus, in private residences, and on public transit systems. Authorities have also confirmed the recovery of a firearm connected to the case.

The man accused of killing legendary coach John Beam (pictured) is facing 50 years in prison 

Cedric Irving Jr. (pictured), 27, allegedly shot and killed Beam at Laney College last week

Police credited technology, specifically cameras at the college campus, private residences and on public transit, with helping arrest Irving Jr. They also confirmed that a gun has been recovered.

Oakland Assistant Chief James Beere revealed Friday that Irving Jr. was known to loiter around Laney’s campus. He added that Irving Jr. was on campus for a ‘specific reason’ but did not elaborate further. ‘This was a very targeted incident,’ he said.

Irving Jr. played football at Skyline High School, where Beam once worked, but not at the same time the coach was employed there. He played tight end for the school’s varsity team in 2016 and 2017.

Irving Jr.’s brother, Samuael, broke his silence on the harrowing events last Friday and said he was ‘shocked’ and heartbroken.

‘Hearing about my brother’s arrest shocked me a lot,’ Samuael told NBC Bay Area.

‘It made me tear up. I couldn’t believe he would have done such a thing like this. I wish he would have just came to his family for help or advice or just anything because we’re family.’

Samuael also told the San Francisco Chronicle that he was stunned to learn of the arrest and that his brother excelled academically and athletically in high school, where he ran track and played football.

Irving Jr. recently lost his job as a security guard after an altercation, his brother said, and then was evicted from his apartment. ‘I hope it isn’t him,’ Samuael said quietly. 

Beam, who starred in 2020 Netflix series ‘Last Chance U’, was the school’s athletic director

The college football icon (pictured with wife Cindi) died at the age of 66 on Friday morning

Floral tributes began to appear at Laney College on Friday as locals paid their respects

‘The Cedric I knew wasn’t capable of murder – but the way things had been going, I honestly don’t know.’

Samuael also revealed he was the one who told his parents of their son’s arrest and they were just as shocked. 

NBC Bay Area visited an address listed for Irving Jr.’s father in Ashland and a man on the brink of tears told them: ‘I don’t want to talk right now, OK, because I mean I don’t know what’s going on and until all the facts come out cause I don’t know what’s going on.’ 

Samuael added that his brother became distant after he left school. ‘Everything changed after he graduated,’ he said. ‘Showed a lot of animosity towards me, even his brother since we were kids.’

The alleged gunman’s sibling also revealed he last spoke to his brother about five months ago and he had stopped calling him and his parents. He did not know he owned a gun.

NBC Bay Area also revealed that at Irving Jr.’s last listed address – in the Lockwood Gardens affordable housing community in Oakland – his apartment stands empty with belongings piled up outside.