October 31, 2010 2:03 PM
A quiet afternoon at a local cafe is turned into a horrific murder scene.
Police say that they are investigating the brutal bludgeoning of a local trombone player by the suspect in custody.
Witnesses say the victim, a man in his thirties, walked into Caffe Sorrentino in downtown Edmonton with a trombone case, ordered a coffee, and sat down at a free table in the corner of the cafe.
The suspect then walked into the cafe, joining the victim for a coffee. Witnesses say that the men had a few laughs and conversed inaudibly. The conversation then turned serious, both men became tense, until the suspect lost his temper.
One of the witnesses, John Buckham, commented on the events leading to the murder. "He just rose up, throwing the table across the room, notbody expected this". The suspect proceeded to yell out "This was my Great Grandfather's, how could you do such a thing?". The suspect then landed a massive blow to the victims face, knocking him backwards.
Police were immediately called to the scene, as the customers scrambled under tables and out the doors, as the suspect continued to pummel the trombone player.
Another witness, Betty Weatherman, was hiding under her table. "All I wanted was my daily fix of caffeine, this wasn't what I wanted". The suspect then opened the trombone case, at which point he broke down sobbing hysterically. The victim struggle in pain, his body badly beaten. Sirens could be heard nearing the horrific events unfolding at the cafe.
The suspect then stood up, wiping tears from his face, walked up to the victim, and began to land thunderous blows to the already badly beaten victim.
As the police rushed in, guns drawn, it was too little, too late. "The victim expired on scene at roughly 11:35" said Cst. Walker. Paramedics rushed the victim to Royal Alexandria Hospital, but failed to revive him. The families have yet to be notified, "We're keeping the identities of the members involved from the public for now" elaborated Cst. Walker.
Police say the suspect is in custody. Investigation is underway to understand the motive and reasoning behind this savage beating.
Information will be posted as events are unfolding.
bmah@edmontonjournal.com
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