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The Tragic End Of 'American Sniper': Who Killed Chris Kyle And What Happened To His Killer?

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The question of who killed Chris Kyle, the legendary Navy SEAL sniper known as 'American Sniper,' is a story that tragically intertwines military service, mental health struggles, and a shocking act of violence. On February 2, 2013, Kyle and his friend, Chad Littlefield, were murdered at a Texas shooting range by a fellow veteran they were attempting to help. This article, updated in late December 2025, provides the definitive account of the double murder, the subsequent high-profile trial, and the current status of the convicted killer. The man convicted of the capital murder of Chris Kyle and Chad Littlefield is Eddie Ray Routh, a former U.S. Marine corporal who was 25 years old at the time of the killings. The case captured global attention, not only because of Kyle's fame but also due to the killer's defense, which focused heavily on his history of severe mental illness and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The Life and Legacy of Christopher 'Chris' Scott Kyle

Chris Kyle was one of the most celebrated military figures of the 21st century, a man whose four tours in the Iraq War earned him the title of the deadliest sniper in U.S. military history. His life was one of service, culminating in his efforts to help fellow veterans transition to civilian life.

  • Full Name: Christopher Scott Kyle
  • Nicknames: "The Legend," "Devil of Ramadi," "Tex," "American Sniper," "The Punisher"
  • Born: April 8, 1974, in Odessa, Texas
  • Died: February 2, 2013, at age 38, in Glen Rose, Texas
  • Parents: Wayne Kenneth Kyle and Deby Lynn (Mercer) Kyle
  • Spouse: Taya Kyle (married 2002)
  • Military Service: United States Navy SEAL (1999–2009)
  • Rank: Chief Petty Officer (CPO)
  • Tours of Duty: Four tours in the Iraq War
  • Confirmed Kills: 160 (The Pentagon officially confirmed)
  • Notable Decorations: Two Silver Stars, Five Bronze Stars with 'V' device
  • Post-Military Career: Founder of Craft International, author of the bestselling memoir American Sniper (2012).

The Tragic Events at Rough Creek Lodge

The murders of Chris Kyle and Chad Littlefield occurred on February 2, 2013, at the Rough Creek Lodge shooting range in Erath County, Texas.

Kyle and Littlefield, a neighbor and close friend, had taken Eddie Ray Routh to the remote range as part of Kyle's volunteer work to help veterans struggling with mental health issues, a mission that became a central focus of Kyle's post-service life.

Routh was a Marine veteran who had served in Iraq and Haiti following the 2010 earthquake. He had a documented history of mental health problems, including diagnoses of PTSD and psychosis, and had been in and out of psychiatric hospitals.

While driving to the range, Kyle reportedly sent a text message to Littlefield expressing his concern about Routh, saying, "This dude is straight up nuts." Littlefield responded, "He's sitting right behind me, be careful."

At the range, Routh used a semi-automatic pistol to shoot Littlefield multiple times and a different pistol to shoot Kyle multiple times. Kyle was shot six times, and Littlefield was shot seven times. Neither Kyle nor Littlefield had time to draw their own holstered sidearms.

After the shooting, Routh fled the scene in Kyle's Ford F-250 pickup truck. He later confessed to the crime on video, telling a Texas Ranger, "I had to shoot them because people were sucking my soul."

The 'American Sniper' Murder Trial and Conviction

The trial of Eddie Ray Routh began in February 2015 and was a landmark case that drew international media attention. The proceedings were closely watched as they focused on the intersection of military service, mental illness, and criminal responsibility.

Routh was charged with two counts of capital murder. His defense team pursued an insanity plea, arguing that Routh was in a psychotic state and did not know his actions were wrong due to severe mental illness exacerbated by his time in the military.

The prosecution countered this argument by presenting evidence that Routh was a heavy user of marijuana and alcohol and that he was fully aware of his actions. They pointed to his confession, his attempt to evade police, and the fact that he used two separate weapons to kill the men as evidence of premeditation and awareness.

The jury ultimately rejected the insanity defense. After less than three hours of deliberation, the jury found Eddie Ray Routh guilty of capital murder on February 24, 2015.

Because the prosecution was not seeking the death penalty, the conviction resulted in an automatic sentence.

Eddie Ray Routh’s Current Status: Life in Prison

Following the guilty verdict, Judge Jason Cashon immediately sentenced Eddie Ray Routh to life in state prison without the possibility of parole.

This sentence means Routh will spend the remainder of his life incarcerated and will never be eligible for release. This decision brought a measure of closure to the families of Chris Kyle and Chad Littlefield.

As of late 2025, Eddie Ray Routh (TDCJ Number 01980993, now 38 years old) remains incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) system.

Despite his conviction, Routh's legal team continued to pursue appeals, primarily challenging the rejection of the insanity defense. However, in recent years, his attempts to overturn the conviction have been denied by appellate courts, solidifying his life sentence.

The case remains a somber reminder of the challenges faced by veterans returning from combat and the complex, often tragic, consequences of untreated mental health issues. Chris Kyle and Chad Littlefield's legacy continues through the foundations and programs dedicated to supporting military families and veterans in need.

who killed chris kyle
who killed chris kyle

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