A Memphis musician whose life was cut short outside a local bar in 2024 has been at the center of a murder trial that ended with a remarkably quick jury decision. Edward “Eddie” Wurl, 53, has been found guilty of first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of bassist Blake Rhea, along with illegally possessing a handgun as a convicted felon.
The Shelby County jury reached its verdict after just eight minutes of deliberations, following a trial that included surveillance footage and digital evidence investigators gathered during the case.
Rhea, 48, was killed in the early hours of November 6, 2024, outside Louis Connelly’s Bar on South Cleveland Street in Memphis, Tennessee. Police responding shortly after 1 a.m. found him inside his parked vehicle with gunshot wounds and lacerations. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Digital Evidence Raised Questions Before the Shooting
Evidence presented by prosecutors included records showing that Wurl had repeatedly visited Rhea’s Facebook profile in the months before the killing. Investigators also found an internet search on Wurl’s phone from approximately a week before the shooting that asked whether a gun would still work if it had not been fired in years.
Surveillance footage from the night of the incident became another key part of the prosecution’s case. According to the evidence described by prosecutors, Wurl followed Rhea across the street toward his vehicle while holding an object that appeared consistent with a knife behind his back.
The footage reportedly showed Wurl leaning into the open driver’s door, where a struggle appeared to take place. He then stepped back and raised his right hand toward Rhea. Several flashes consistent with gunfire were visible before Wurl walked away.
The digital records and video footage helped prosecutors present a timeline of events leading up to and during the fatal encounter.
What Happened During the Trial?
Wurl took the stand during the trial and faced questioning from prosecutors. After hearing the evidence and testimony, jurors found him guilty on both charges.
The prosecution team included Chief Prosecutor Atina Stavropoulos and Assistant District Attorney Missy Branham. The case involved extensive digital evidence and detailed examination of surveillance footage, including frame-by-frame video analysis.
The first-degree murder conviction establishes Wurl’s criminal responsibility for Rhea’s death. His separate conviction for being a convicted felon in possession of a handgun addresses the unlawful possession of the firearm.
Wurl is scheduled to be sentenced on November 13, 2026.
Blake Rhea Was More Than a Musician
While the trial focused on the circumstances of Rhea’s death, his life had a lasting impact on Memphis’s music community.
Rhea was a respected bassist who performed with several groups throughout his career, including the Grammy-nominated band Southern Avenue. His work also took him on tour with major performers, including Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan, as part of the 2024 Outlaw Music Festival lineup. He also appeared with Southern Avenue at Farm Aid that year.
Away from the stage, Rhea shared his knowledge with younger musicians as a teacher at School of Rock Memphis. Former students, fellow performers and friends remembered him as someone whose enthusiasm and humor made a lasting impression.
A memorial concert held in November 2024 brought together family members, friends, fellow musicians and former students to celebrate his life and musical contributions.
His legacy extended beyond performances and recordings. Through his teaching, Rhea helped young musicians develop their skills and build confidence, allowing his influence to continue through the people he mentored.
The guilty verdict brings the trial phase of the case to a close, but Rhea’s loss remains deeply felt by those who knew him and the wider Memphis music community. The next major step in the proceedings will be Wurl’s sentencing, scheduled for November 13.
