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.
City of Hammond, Louisiana — At approximately 11:50 p.m. on February 24, 2026, officers with the Hammond Police Department responded to a report of shots fired involving one possible victim.
Upon arrival, officers located a 14-year-old juvenile female, identified as Tyronai Reed, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Emergency medical assistance was rendered at the scene, and she was transported to North Oaks Health System for treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Reed later succumbed to her injuries.
Detectives assigned to the department’s Criminal Investigations Division launched an immediate homicide investigation.
During the course of their investigation, authorities identified 18-year-old Demontez Treyvon “Trey” Robinson of Hammond as a suspect in the shooting.
While actively working the case, officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and conducted a traffic stop.
Robinson was identified as the driver of the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.
Robinson was transported to the Criminal Investigations Division for questioning. According to investigators, Robinson admitted that the firearm discharged while he was handling or “playing with” it, resulting in the single round striking the 14-year-old victim.
Robinson was subsequently booked into the Hammond City Jail on one count of Negligent Homicide.
Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains in its early stages and additional details may be released as they become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Corey Morse with the Hammond Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 985-277-5758 or via email at morse_cm@hammond.org. Tips may also be submitted through the department’s official Facebook page or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245.
Individuals providing information may be eligible for a cash reward. Authorities urge members of the community to assist in the ongoing investigation.