What Happened to the Veteran Who Killed Chris Kyle?
Chris Kyle, also known as the "American Sniper," was a United States Navy SEAL who served four tours in Iraq and was credited with 160 confirmed kills. He was a highly decorated and respected sniper, and his book "American Sniper" became a bestseller. However, his life was tragically cut short when he was killed on February 2, 2013, at a shooting range in Texas.
The man responsible for Chris Kyle’s murder was Eddie Ray Routh, a 25-year-old former Marine who had served in Iraq. But what led Routh to commit such a heinous crime, and what happened to him after the fact?
The Investigation and Arrest
In the hours following Chris Kyle’s murder, the police launched an investigation to identify the killer. Eddie Ray Routh was arrested on February 2, 2013, at his home in Lancaster, Texas, just hours after the shooting. Routh was charged with murder and was taken into custody without incident.
The Motive
The motive behind Routh’s actions was still unclear, but it was believed that he had been suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and had been struggling with his mental health. Routh had also been a patient at a local nursing home, where he would often talk about his time in Iraq and his struggles with PTSD.
The Trial
Routh’s trial began in February 2015, and the prosecution presented evidence that Routh had planned and executed the murder. The defense argued that Routh was suffering from PTSD and was under the influence of medication at the time of the shooting, which contributed to his actions.
The Verdict
On May 1, 2015, the jury delivered a guilty verdict, finding Routh guilty of murdering Chris Kyle and his friend, Chad Littlefield. Routh was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The Aftermath
In the aftermath of the trial, the focus shifted to Routh’s mental health and the treatment he received for his PTSD. Many critics argued that Routh was not receiving adequate treatment for his condition, and that his struggles with PTSD played a significant role in the murder.
The Victims
Chris Kyle was a highly decorated and respected war hero, and his death sent shockwaves through the military community. He was buried at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin, where he was honored with a full military funeral.
Chad Littlefield, Kyle’s friend and fellow veteran, was also killed in the shooting. Littlefield was a decorated Marine who had served two tours in Iraq. He was buried at the Texas State Cemetery alongside Chris Kyle.
Table: Chris Kyle’s and Chad Littlefield’s Military Service
| Service Branch | Rank | Years of Service | Tours | Decorations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Kyle | Navy | Petty Officer 1st Class | 4 | 3 Bronze Stars, 2 Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals |
| Chad Littlefield | Marine Corps | Lance Corporal | 2 | 2 Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals |
Conclusion
The murder of Chris Kyle was a tragic event that sent shockwaves through the military community. Eddie Ray Routh’s actions were devastating, and his struggles with PTSD were a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by our nation’s veterans. As we reflect on the events surrounding Chris Kyle’s death, we are reminded of the importance of providing adequate treatment and support for our nation’s veterans, and the need to work towards a more compassionate and understanding society.
