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.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.