MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Police said an argument may have led to a stabbing and shooting that killed Memphis musician Blake Rhea outside a Midtown bar.
Edward Wurl, 51, has been charged with first-degree murder and being a convicted felon in possession of a handgun in relation to the incident. He is currently being held in the Shelby County Jail without bond.
MPD officers responded to the shooting at 322 S. Cleveland just after 1 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, near Louis Connelly's Bar. Officers found Rhea with cuts and gunshot wounds in a car, and he died at the scene.
According to the police affidavit, a security guard for the bar told investigators that two men had been in an argument in the bar before heading outside. He said he heard several gunshots and found Rhea shot in the car.
Rhea played bass most recently with the band Southern Avenue. The band said in a statement to ABC24, "We are devastated and in utter disbelief over the loss of our brother, Blake Rhea. Blake brought a unique warmth and joy to our lives—both through his music and his unforgettable presence. His passion for music was unmatched, and his friendship was a gift to all who knew him. That infectious smile of his, louder than any bass line, lit up every room and stage. We know his memory will be a blessing to all of us, and his contributions to Memphis music will live on as part of his lasting legacy. We’ll carry his spirit forward, one note at a time."
Investigators said video from the bar showed Rhea talking with a man whom police identified as Wurl outside the bar. They said Rhea was seen turning and walking to his car, and the suspect followed, holding what appeared to be "a smaller, pointed, and shiny object, consistent with a knife, in his hand behind his back," according to the affidavit.
Investigators said the video showed Rhea getting into his car, and the suspect standing between the opened door and the car. They said the video showed the suspect lean over Rhea and what appeared to be a struggle, then Rhea slumping over as the suspect backs up. They said the video then showed the suspect standing at the open car door for several seconds before raising his right hand. Police said several flashes, consistent with muzzle flashes, could be seen, and then the suspect turned and walked away with Rhea slumped in the driver's seat of the car.
According to the affidavit, witnesses told investigators that the Wurl and Rhea had argued about a woman, and the witnesses identified Wurl in a photo line-up.
The affidavit said Wurl was found later that same day at an address listed as the Memphis Mental Health Institute and taken into custody. Investigators said Wurl had a previous felony conviction for a burglary and wounding in 1994 in Virginia.
In a statement to social media, management at Louis Connelly's Bar said, "I was devastated to learn this morning about the shooting death that occurred outside crump stadium near our bar. We have been able to aid the Memphis Police Department by providing footage that our outdoor camera captured. We love the city of Memphis, but stories like this are so common that we have become almost numb to them. We are thankful that the violence did not come into the bar, and we have security personnel to prevent that from ever happening. But that doesn't make this any less heartbreaking, and our thoughts go out to the victim and the victim's family. I hope we can do better as a city and continue to fight to make these senseless and preventable death a thing of the past. Please stay safe out there."
