Shock and heartbreak swept through the Laney College community after longtime coach and athletic director John Beam, a familiar face to many through Netflix’s Last Chance U, was fatally shot on campus.
The 66-year-old was rushed to the hospital, but doctors were unable to save him, leaving students, colleagues, and fans grieving a man widely viewed as a pillar of college athletics.
Police Say the Attack Was Not Random
Authorities were quick to confirm that the shooting was not a chance encounter.
Oakland Assistant Chief James Beere revealed that the man accused of killing Beam had a history of lingering around the campus, and investigators believe he went there with a purpose on Thursday.
While officials did not publicly share what that “specific reason” was, they made it clear the incident was targeted.
The suspect—who once attended a high school where Beam had previously coached, though not during the same years—was arrested early Friday morning.
Officers found him at the San Leandro BART station around 3 a.m., taking him into custody without any struggle. A firearm believed to be connected to the shooting has also been recovered.
Beam’s Impact Stretched Far Beyond the Football Field
John Beam’s legend wasn’t built overnight. Over more than four decades, he left a trail of transformed programs and inspired athletes everywhere he coached.
His journey started in San Diego at Serra High School, where he helped take their football team to the playoffs for the first time in school history.
When he moved to Oakland, Beam’s influence only increased. At Skyline High School, he stepped into the defensive coordinator role in 1982 and later became head coach.
What followed was a streak most coaches only dream about—15 championships and multiple undefeated seasons, all while helping students shape their futures on and off the field.
Building a Legacy at Laney College
Laney College became Beam’s home beginning in the mid-2000s.
Starting as a running backs coach, he worked his way up to offensive coordinator, lighting up scoreboards with an explosive offense that won conference titles and appeared in bowl games year after year.
By 2012, he was the one leading the entire program.
As head coach, Beam guided Laney to more league championships and postseason runs, gaining national attention when Netflix spotlighted the team in Last Chance U.
Even in the documentary, his passion for young athletes, discipline, and second chances shone through.
What Happened on Campus That Day
The shooting occurred near the field house on East 8th Street and Fifth Avenue.
When the first reports came in, officers responded assuming there was an active shooter, prompting a full campus lockdown. It wasn’t until later that they determined it was an isolated incident rather than a random attack.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the charges the suspect will face. Meanwhile, the investigation continues.
Tributes Pour In From Across the Community
The outpouring of grief began almost immediately. Piedmont Police Chief Frederick Shavies described Beam as “an absolutely incredible human being,” speaking emotionally about the loss during Friday’s press briefing.
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee also shared heartfelt words, emphasizing that Beam’s legacy could never be measured by trophies alone.
She noted that he changed the lives of thousands—mentoring, encouraging, and refusing to give up on young people who desperately needed guidance. Her own nephew once played under Beam at Skyline, giving her a personal connection to the tragedy.
“Gun violence has stolen the life of a man who dedicated himself to lifting up the youth of this city,” she said.
Players Remember the Coach Who Never Gave Up on Them
Many former players paid tribute online, but one message stood out—CJ Anderson, the former NFL running back who played under Beam at Laney College before going on to win a Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos.
Just hours before the news broke, Anderson had posted a hopeful message urging the coach to keep fighting, writing:
“Keep praying… Jesus is King… put your hands on Beam please!!!!”
His message now reads like a heartbreaking reminder of how deeply Beam touched the lives of the young men he coached.
A Community Left Searching for Answers
With the suspect in custody and the investigation ongoing, Laney College and the larger Bay Area community are left to grapple with the loss of a man whose influence extended far beyond football.
Tributes continue pouring in, and many are reflecting on Beam’s legacy—one built on mentorship, tough love, and unwavering belief in the potential of every student-athlete who crossed his path.