Ed the Tuba Man

If you ever walk around Seattle you're likely to encounter at least one street performer.  I've heard a sax player, a percussionist and even a bagpiper.  There's a guitar player that I've seen on occasion downtown who also sells CDs.

One of the local favorites was Ed the Tub Man.  Notice I said 'was.'  Last October, Ed was attacked while he was walking to catch a bus in downtown Seattle.  5 teenage boys attacked and beat him to rob him of a few dollars.  A few days after the attack, Ed died from his injuries.

Three of the teens were captured and entered into a plea agreement with prosecutors.  Two remain at large.  The three that were arrested struck a plea agreement and were sentenced yesterday.  The longest sentence was just 72 weeks in juvenile detention.  They will receive credit for the 24 weeks they have already served.  Two of the boys had been in court earlier in the day to enter their pleas in an unrelated armed robbery case.  

Is this justice?  

The Tuba Man loved life and loved Seattle.  He shared his joy through music.  

The Tuba Man's brother was on the news saying he agreed with the sentencing.  He's a better, more forgiving man than I am.