OAKLAND — The man accused of gunning down legendary Oakland football coach John Beam made his first appearance in court Tuesday, in a slaying that has since led the county’s top prosecutor to significantly tighten prosecution of gun crimes.

Cedric Irving Jr., 27, remained silent during the brief hearing, during which he was arraigned before Alameda County Judge Michael T. Risher on a single murder charge and a slew of sentencing enhancements that could leave him imprisoned for life, if convicted a trial.

Wearing a green protective vest and standing with his hands behind his back, Irving was ordered held without bail at Santa Rita Jail. His attorney, a member of the Alameda County Public Defender’s Office, waived his formal arraignment.

In the gallery, many family and friends of Beam wat

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