Eddie Ray Routh, a former Marine, turned infamous murderer, is a name that the internet cannot seem to shake off. Routh’s actions, best-known for the brutal killings of Chris Kyle (best-selling author of American Sniper) and Chad Littlefield have become iconic moments in American criminal history. Although reports suggested he had passed on, Eddie Ray Routh is alive and serving a life sentence at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Ramsey Unit in Brazoria County, Texas.
Legal Proceedings and Verdict
In the aftermath of the heinous crimes, legal proceedings were swiftly initiated. On February 24th 2015, Routh was found guilty in both of Kyle and Littlefield’s murders by Judge Jason Cashon and was given life without the possibility of parole.
Routh’s Background
outh’s life intersected with Kyle’s early on as they attended the same high school. He enlisted in the US Marines in 2006, where he served as an armorer and was deployed to Iraq, the Middle East, and Haiti. Exposure to the devastating aftermath of Haiti earthquake had an immediate negative effect on him that resulted in a sharp decrease in mental wellbeing.
Mental Health Challenges
Upon his return, Routh struggled significantly with his mental health, eventually being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite being prescribed medication for his condition, Routh turned to self-medication with marijuana and alcohol. His struggles with mental health persisted, leading to severe depressive episodes and delusional episodes, resulting in multiple hospitalizations.
The Aftermath of the Killings
Following the murders, Routh’s erratic behavior continued, with him stopping at a Taco Bell before confessing to his sister. He returned home, collected his dog, and got into an altercation with local law enforcement. Kyle attempted to flee in Kyle’s truck before being apprehended after an short chase that ended with collision with a police cruiser.
The Crime Scene
The crime scene at the Rough Creek Ranch-Lodge-Resort shooting range in Erath County, Texas, told a grisly tale. Both Kyle and Littlefield were found dead, their M1911-style pistols holstered with safeties engaged. Kyle had been shot six times – one being fatal – while Littlefield sustained seven wounds from gunfire; four of which proved fatal.
The Aftermath
Eddie Ray Routh’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the need for support and intervention for veterans suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other forms of mental illness.
