Man Who Repeatedly Viewed Musician’s Facebook Profile Convicted of Murder After Just 8 Minutes of Jury Deliberation

A Tennessee jury has convicted a 53-year-old man of murdering a respected local musician after prosecutors presented evidence that he repeatedly viewed the victim’s Facebook profile in the months before the fatal encounter.

Edward “Eddie” Wurl was found guilty of first-degree murder in the November 2024 killing of Blake Rhea, a 48-year-old bassist from Memphis. He was also convicted of illegally possessing a handgun as a convicted felon. According to reports, jurors reached their verdict after only eight minutes of deliberation.

The fatal confrontation occurred outside Louis Connelly’s bar in Memphis shortly after 1 a.m. on November 6, 2024. Investigators said surveillance footage showed Wurl following Rhea toward his vehicle while carrying an object that appeared to be a knife. A struggle reportedly followed near the driver’s door, and the footage captured flashes consistent with gunfire before Wurl walked away.

Officers responding to the scene found Rhea inside his vehicle with gunshot wounds and cuts. He was pronounced dead.

During the trial, prosecutors presented digital evidence showing that Wurl had visited Rhea’s Facebook profile repeatedly in the months before the killing. They also highlighted an internet search made on Wurl’s phone approximately one week before the incident: “If I haven’t fired my gun in years, will it work?”

Investigators have not established a definitive motive publicly. However, previous reports cited witnesses who said the two men had argued, reportedly over a woman.

Rhea was remembered by friends and fellow musicians as a talented bassist and a valued member of the Memphis community. His loved ones also celebrated his kindness, sense of humor, and roles as a teacher, coach, son, brother, and friend.

Wurl’s conviction marks a major development in the case. His sentencing was scheduled for November 13, 2026.

Source: PEOPLE