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Crime

Memphis musician Blake Rhea killed in shooting outside Louis Connelly’s Bar, suspect Edward Wurl arrested

The footage shows the two men struggling near Rhea’s vehicle before Wurl allegedly drew a firearm, shot Rhea, and calmly walked away.

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Memphis musician Blake Rhea has been identified as the man fatally shot outside a Midtown bar early Wednesday morning.

Memphis Police confirmed they have arrested 51-year-old Edward Wurl, charging him with First Degree Murder and Possession of a Handgun by a Convicted Felon.

According to court documents, Rhea and Wurl were involved in a verbal dispute inside Louis Connolly’s Bar, located at 322 South Cleveland St. in the Central Gardens area, before the conflict escalated outside.

Surveillance footage reportedly shows Rhea speaking with Wurl near the bar’s entrance, then turning away to walk to his car.

Wurl followed him, appearing to wield a knife.

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The footage shows the two men struggling near Rhea’s vehicle before Wurl allegedly drew a firearm, shot Rhea, and calmly walked away.

Investigators noted that both men were previously romantically involved with the same woman, a factor believed to have contributed to the tension between them.

Memphis Police responded to the scene at approximately 1:05 a.m., where Rhea was pronounced dead outside the bar.

Following the incident, Wurl was taken into custody on Thursday.

In addition to the murder charge, he faces charges for illegally possessing a firearm, given his previous convictions.

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Court records indicate that Wurl was convicted of burglary and unlawful wounding in 1994, classifying him as a felon prohibited from possessing firearms.

Police and investigators are continuing to review the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting, while the Midtown community mourns the loss of Rhea, remembered for his contributions to the local music scene.


Crime

18-year-old Kyler Naely charged for the murder in shooting death of 16-year-old Ja’Tycie Williams

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An 18-year-old suspect has been arrested and charged in a deadly shooting that occurred in October, which claimed the life of a 16-year-old and injured another.

The incident began on October 6, 2024, shortly after 12:45 a.m., when officers were called to a shooting on I-244 near Yale Avenue.

Upon arrival, they discovered a gray SUV riddled with bullet holes and shattered windows. Investigators determined that seven people were inside the vehicle at the time of the shooting.

Two occupants of the vehicle suffered gunshot wounds.

One victim, 16-year-old Ja’Tycie Williams, sustained critical injuries and succumbed to them several weeks later. The other victim suffered a minor gunshot wound to the arm and survived.

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Preliminary investigations revealed the incident was linked to a fight at the Tulsa State Fair earlier that evening.

Witnesses reported that the altercation, which occurred as the group was leaving the fairgrounds, likely escalated into the highway shooting.

Following an in-depth investigation, Tulsa Police Homicide Detectives identified 18-year-old Kyler Naely as the suspect responsible for the shooting.

On November 19, 2024, Naely was arrested, charged with first-degree murder, and booked into the Tulsa County Jail.

Authorities emphasize that the case remains under investigation and are urging anyone with additional information to contact Tulsa Crime Stoppers at 918-596-COPS. Callers can remain anonymous.

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