Oakland police on Friday arrested a 27-year-old former football player following the death of legendary Laney College coach John Beam, who died from his gunshot wounds in what authorities have described as a “targeted” shooting.The arrest marks a dramatic turn in a case that has shaken the Oakland athletic community and left students, alumni, and colleagues searching for answers.
John Beam, a revered figure in Bay Area sports and a longtime head coach at Laney College, was fatally shot earlier this week in an incident that police say was not random but rather deliberate in nature. Beam, whose decades-long career helped shape countless young athletes, was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The 27-year-old suspect, whose name has not yet been released pending formal charging, is a former football player who once had ties to Laney College. Investigators have remained tight-lipped about the specific motive, offering no details other than describing the killing as a “targeted act,” a phrase that has only heightened public concern and speculation.
Detectives are continuing to examine the relationship between Beam and the suspect, as well as any events that may have led up to the shooting.Beam’s death has sent shockwaves through Oakland, where he was widely celebrated not only for his coaching success—including a national junior college title—but also for his mentorship, community involvement, and lifelong dedication to helping young men chart better futures.
Former players gathered outside Laney College to share memories, many describing him as a father figure, a guide, and the steady force who believed in them long before they believed in themselves.As the investigation continues, the community mourns a monumental loss. Tributes continue to pour in, honoring John Beam’s legacy—a legacy built on leadership, integrity, and transformative impact.
