Third teenaged ‘Tuba Man’ slaying suspect arrested

Published 11:23 pm Thursday, November 6, 2008

Associated Press

SEATTLE — A third suspect has been arrested in the death of Edward McMichael, a beloved Seattle street musician known as “Tuba Man.” He was found dead nine days after he was beaten in a robbery.

The 15-year-old boy was arrested Wednesday for investigation of murder. He appeared in court Thursday and was ordered held in detention. Two other 15-year-olds arrested earlier were also being held.

Investigators believe they were part of a group of five teenagers who beat and robbed McMichael, 53, about 12:45 a.m. on Oct. 25.

McMichael was treated at Harborview Medical Center for head injuries and was sent home to recover, but was found dead in his room Monday at the downtown Vermont Inn.

The King County medical examiner ruled he died from injuries he suffered in the assault.

Since the early 1990s, McMichael had been a fixture outside Seattle sporting events and Seattle Opera performances, wearing funny hats and playing songs on a tuba.