Mental evaluation ordered for suspect in musician’s killing

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A judge has requested a mental evaluation for the man accused of fatally shooting Memphis musician Blake Rhea last week.

Edward Wurl, 51, is charged with first-degree murder and convicted felon in possession of a handgun.

While in court on Friday morning, Judge Bill Anderson requested the mental evaluation and set a hearing date for December 13.

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According to an affidavit, Rhea and Wurl were involved in a verbal altercation inside Louis Connolly’s Bar before they went outside. Police say they were involved in a romantic relationship with the same woman.

Wurl was caught on camera following Rhea to his car with a knife before a struggle occurred. That is when Wurl shot Rhea and walked away from the scene, police say.

In 1994, records state that Wurl was convicted of burglary and unlawful wounding.

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