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.
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.
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.
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.
SANTA ANA, CA — Community members are expressing outrage and concern following the release of Alejandro Acosta Oliveros, a 45-year-old Santa Ana resident, who has been accused of abducting, torturing, and killing numerous cats throughout Orange County.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Oliveros has been released on bail and is now back in the community as the investigation continues.
Dubbed a “serial cat killer” by law enforcement, Oliveros was arrested earlier this week after Santa Ana Police officers executed a search warrant at his residence on Wilshire Avenue.
Authorities reported that Oliveros confessed to the crimes during questioning, though the full extent of his actions remains under active investigation.
Officials have yet to determine how many animals were harmed, but investigators have stated that the number is believed to be “significant.”
According to a spokesperson for the Santa Ana Police Department, “We are still working to determine the scope of this case and how many cats may have been victimized. The cruelty involved is deeply disturbing.”
Community concern has mounted in recent weeks, as residents across Santa Ana and neighboring areas began sharing surveillance footage and firsthand reports of cats being lured, abducted, and later found injured or deceased.
One widely shared video from March 21 in Westminster showed a man, believed to be Oliveros, capturing Clubber, a 10-month-old Bengal Lynx cat.
While Clubber was eventually recovered and returned to his home, the suspect remained at large—until his arrest this week.
Disturbing reports later emerged indicating that many of the missing cats may have been killed. Posts from platforms like Nextdoor recounted chilling details of cats being restrained or allegedly injected with unknown substances.
In one report, a neighbor stated: “We saw the man tie a cat’s legs and walk off toward McFadden.” Another added: “My neighbor’s cat was killed. He was injected with something and didn’t survive.”
Despite the severity of the charges, Oliveros was released on bail shortly after his arrest.
This development has alarmed residents, animal advocates, and grieving pet owners who say they now fear for the safety of their pets—and for the wellbeing of their community.
“This is not just about one person’s loss. This is about protecting countless animals who deserve safety, love, and life,” said one resident. “We need to remain vigilant, speak out, and demand justice.”
The public is strongly encouraged to take the following steps:
- Report any suspicious behavior toward animals to local law enforcement or animal control immediately.
- Speak with neighbors and friends to raise awareness about the situation.
- Contact local officials and media outlets to demand accountability and advocate for stricter laws to prevent animal cruelty.
- Support victims and families who are grieving the loss of beloved pets.
The Santa Ana Police Department has stated that formal charges are expected to be filed soon and emphasized that the investigation is ongoing.
Authorities continue to gather evidence and encourage anyone with information to come forward.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the Santa Ana Police Department at (714) 245-8665.
The community’s continued cooperation and vigilance will be essential in seeking justice for the animals affected and ensuring that those responsible are held fully accountable.