Discuss Bob Ewell’s death. Be sure to include the following: Who did Atticus think killed Bob? Who actually killed Bob? What story is Heck Tate going with? Do you think justice was served for Tom Robinson, Bob Ewell, and Boo Radley?

In chapter 30, Atticus and Sheriff Tate discuss Bob Ewell's death. Initially, Atticus believes that Jem is responsible for Bob Ewell's death and tells Sheriff Tate that he refuses to cover up the fact that Jem stabbed Bob Ewell. However, Sheriff Tate insists that Bob Ewell fell on his own knife and accidentally killed himself. Sheriff Tate even takes a switchblade out of his pocket and demonstrates the way that Bob Ewell fell on his knife. However, Atticus does not believe Heck Tate and insists that Jem killed Bob Ewell. Finally, Sheriff Tate raises his voice towards Atticus and indirectly informs him that Boo Radley was responsible for murdering Bob Ewell. Sheriff Tate tells Atticus,

I never heard tell that it’s against the law for a citizen to do his utmost to prevent a crime from being committed, which is exactly what he [Boo Radley] did, but maybe you’ll say it’s my duty to tell the town all about it and not hush it up. Know what’d happen then? All the ladies in Maycomb includin‘ my wife’d be knocking on his door bringing angel food cakes. To my way of thinkin’, Mr. Finch, taking the one man who’s done you and this town a great service an‘ draggin’ him with his shy ways into the limelight—to me, that’s a sin. (Lee, 280)

The shy man that Sheriff Tate is referring to is Boo Radley, who left the comfort of his home to save Jem and Scout. During the struggle, Boo Radley stabbed and killed Bob Ewell. Sheriff Tate believes that he would be doing Boo Radley a disservice by telling the community about his heroics. Heck Tate understands that Boo would suffer from the excess attention, which is why he finds it easier to tell the citizens Bob Ewell fell on his own knife.
In my opinion, justice was served for Bob Ewell because he got what he deserved and suffered the consequences of his malevolent actions. Justice was also served for Boo Radley, who does not have to suffer from excess attention for saving Jem and Scout's life. Unfortunately, justice was not served for Tom Robinson, who became a victim of racial injustice after he was wrongly convicted of assaulting and raping Mayella Ewell.