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.
CINCINNATI, OH – A 42-year-old man was fatally shot in Clifton Heights on Saturday afternoon, prompting an investigation by the Cincinnati Police Department (CPD) Homicide Unit.
Authorities responded to reports of a shooting in the 600 block of Riddle Road at approximately 4:13 p.m. on March 9.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a male victim, later identified as Kevin Garr, 42, suffering from a gunshot wound.
Emergency responders transported Garr to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting.
Detectives from the CPD Homicide Unit have launched an active investigation and are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Authorities urge anyone with information regarding the shooting to contact the Homicide Unit at (513) 352-3542. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers.