Police seek clues in Seattle ‘Tuba Man’ slaying

SEATTLE — Edward McMichael, a beloved Seattle street musician known as the “Tuba Man,” died after being beaten in a robbery, the King County Medical Examiner’s Office said Tuesday.

Two 15-year-olds who were arrested after a group of five teenagers beat the 53-year-old man have been re-arrested for investigation of murder, Seattle police spokesman Mark Jamieson said. Police were searching for the other three youths.

Since the early 1990s, McMichael had been a fixture outside Seattle sporting events where he wore funny hats and played songs on the tuba to match the fate of the SuperSonics, Seahawks or Mariners. He also played outside McCaw Hall on opera nights.

Police said McMichael was assaulted near a bus stop about 12:45 a.m. on Oct. 25 by a group of youths who beat and robbed him.

An officer who arrived on the scene and saw the attack wrote in his report that McMichael was “on the ground in a fetal position trying to protect himself as the group was kicking and punching him on the ground.”

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, workers at the inn said.

“We believe his death was directly connected to the assault,” Seattle police spokesman Sean Whitcomb said.

Talk to us

More in Local News

Funko mascots Freddy Funko roll past on a conveyor belt in the Pop! Factory of the company's new flagship store on Aug. 18, 2017.  (Dan Bates / The Herald)
Lawsuit: Funko misled investors about Arizona move

A shareholder claims Funko’s decision to relocate its distribution center from Everett to Arizona was “disastrous.”

Lynnwood
1 stabbed at apartment in Lynnwood

The man, 26, was taken to an Everett hospital with “serious injuries.”

A firefighting helicopter carries a bucket of water from a nearby river to the Bolt Creek Fire on Saturday, Sep. 10, 2022, on U.S. Highway 2 near Index, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Red flag fire warning issued west of Cascades

There are “critical fire weather” conditions due to humidity and wind in the Cascades, according to the National Weather Service.

A house fire damaged two homes around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 6, 2023 in Marysville, Washington. (Photo provided by Marysville Fire District)
Fire burns 2 homes in Marysville, killing 2 dogs

Firefighters responded to a report of a fire north of Lakewood Crossing early Tuesday, finding two houses engulfed in flames.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Mountlake Terrace in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Mountlake Terrace eyes one-time projects for $2.4M in federal funds

Staff recommended $750,000 for a new roof and HVAC at the library, $250,000 toward a nonprofit facility in Lynnwood and more.

The Snohomish River turns along the edge of the Bob Heirman Wildlife Preserve at Thomas’ Eddy on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
To build a healthier Snohomish River, more log jams

About $2.8M in grants will help engineer log jams, tear down levees and promote salmon restoration at Bob Heirman Wildlife Preserve.

Dave "Bronco" Erickson stands next to the pink-and-purple 1991 Subaru Justy hatchback “Pork Chop Express” car that he is seeking to re-home for $500. The car has been on Whidbey Island for years, mainly as yard art. (Andrea Brown / The Herald)
For sale: Whidbey’s fabled ‘Pork Chop Express’ gets great smileage

Asking price is $500 for the 1991 Subaru Justy, a three-cylinder econobox with 65K miles and a transmission as rare as hen’s teeth.

Ciscoe Morris, a longtime horticulturist and gardening expert, will speak at Sorticulture. (Photo provided by Sorticulture)
Get your Sorticulture on: Garden festival returns to downtown Everett

It’s a chance to shop, dance, get gardening tips, throw an axe and look through a big kaleidoscope. Admission is free.

Marysville
Marysville resident sentenced to 15 years for fentanyl operation

Jose Eduardo Garnica received a shipment from China labeled “Furniture Parts.” It had fentanyl-manufacturing parts.

Most Read