What happened to the veteran that killed chris kyle?

What Happened to the Veteran that Killed Chris Kyle?

Chris Kyle, the legendary American sniper, was tragically murdered on February 2, 2013, at a shooting range in Texas. The killer was identified as Eddie Ray Routh, a 25-year-old former Marine who served in Iraq. In this article, we will explore what happened to Routh, the veteran who killed Chris Kyle.

Early Life and Military Service

Eddie Ray Routh was born on October 19, 1987, in Lancaster, Texas. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2006 and served two tours in Iraq, where he was stationed at Al Asad Airbase. Routh was a combat engineer and was awarded the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

After Leaving the Military

After leaving the military, Routh struggled to adjust to civilian life. He worked as a security guard and later as a lifeguard, but he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and was prescribed medication for his condition. Routh’s family and friends reported that he became increasingly paranoid and isolated, often spending hours playing video games or watching TV.

Meeting Chris Kyle

In February 2013, Routh’s mother, Judy, contacted Chris Kyle, the founder of FITCO Cares, a nonprofit organization that provided outdoor recreation therapy to veterans suffering from PTSD. Judy had heard about Kyle’s work and wanted to get her son involved in the program. Routh’s mother had previously reached out to Kyle about her son’s struggles, and Kyle had agreed to meet with him.

The Fateful Day

On February 2, 2013, Routh and his mother drove to the Rough Creek Lodge shooting range in Glen Rose, Texas, where Kyle was conducting a charity event. Routh’s mother left him at the shooting range, telling him that she would return later to pick him up. Routh had been complaining of headaches and was having trouble sleeping, and Kyle had agreed to work with him on his PTSD.

The Shooting

Kyle and Routh spent the morning shooting and talking. Routh’s behavior was reportedly erratic, and he became increasingly agitated as the day went on. At around 3:30 pm, Routh got into Kyle’s truck and began driving away from the shooting range. Kyle tried to stop him, but Routh was able to get away. Routh returned to the shooting range and shot Kyle and Chad Littlefield, a friend who was also a veteran, multiple times. Both men died at the scene.

Arrest and Trial

Routh was arrested and charged with two counts of murder. His trial began in April 2015, and the prosecution presented evidence that Routh had planned and executed the murders. The defense argued that Routh was suffering from PTSD and was not responsible for his actions. In August 2015, Routh was found guilty of murdering Chris Kyle and Chad Littlefield. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Conclusion

Eddie Ray Routh’s tragic story serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of untreated PTSD and the importance of providing support and resources to our nation’s veterans. Chris Kyle’s death was a senseless tragedy, and his legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the work of the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation, which he founded to support veterans and their families.

Table: Eddie Ray Routh’s Military Service

Table: Chris Kyle’s Service

Bullets: Routh’s Struggles After Leaving the Military

• Struggled to adjust to civilian life
• Diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Prescribed medication for his condition
• Became increasingly paranoid and isolated
• Spent hours playing video games or watching TV

Bullets: Key Evidence in Routh’s Trial

• Routh’s erratic behavior on the day of the shooting
• Routh’s testimony that he had planned the murders
• Evidence of Routh’s mental state at the time of the shooting
• Testimony from Routh’s mother and friends about his declining mental health