MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Shelby County jury found Edward “Eddie” Wurl guilty as charged of first-degree murder and being a convicted felon in possession of a handgun following a trial in the killing of Blake Rhea. Jurors deliberated for just eight minutes on Saturday before returning guilty verdicts on both counts.
Chief prosecutor Atina Stavropoulos and Assistant District Attorney Missy Branham prosecuted the case, presenting extensive surveillance footage and digital evidence. With support from their prosecution team, they introduced collective exhibits containing at least 18,000 individual items. That work included frame-by-frame video analysis, preparation of an enlarged video montage and review of thousands of relevant pieces of evidence across multiple phones.
The killing occurred on November 6, 2024, outside Louis Connelly’s bar on South Cleveland Street. Memphis Police officers responding shortly after 1 a.m. found Rhea in his parked vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds and lacerations. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Surveillance footage captured Wurl following Rhea across the street to his vehicle while holding an object consistent with a knife behind his back. Wurl leaned into the open driver’s door and appeared to struggle with Rhea. After backing away, Wurl raised his right hand toward Rhea, and the footage showed several flashes consistent with gunfire. Wurl then walked away.
The description in our release is consistent with the probable cause affidavit. Investigators specifically stated that surveillance footage showed Wurl leaning into the open driver's side door and appearing to struggle with Rhea. Our release reflects that account.
Digital evidence also included an internet search on Wurl’s phone a week before the killing asking, “If I haven’t fired my gun in years will it work?” Facebook records showed repeated visits to Rhea’s profile in the months leading up to the killing.
Wurl took the stand during the trial and was cross-examined by Branham before the jury deliberated and returned a verdict in less than 10 minutes.
Sentencing is forthcoming.