And, just like with Belushi, his tragic demise in December 1997 turned into a police investigation after it was learned that a woman had witnessed the struggling star's final drug-fueled hours. T he filmmakers behind American Sniper left out Chris Kyle's violent murder at the end of the blockbuster movie for the sake of his two kids, says screenwriter Jason Hall. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle Killed At Gun Range, Most Lethal Sniper in US History Gunned Down in Texas - YouTube 0:00 / 2:35 Navy SEAL Chris Kyle Killed At Gun Range, Most Lethal Sniper in US. As he told the Dallas Morning News in 2012, he wanted to be a cowboy[or] be in the military.. YouTubeBradley Cooper as Chris Kyle in American Sniper, which came out in 2014, more than a year after Chris Kyles death. Or, learn about other legendary snipers like Carlos Hathcock and Chuck Mawhinney. Two years after Chad Littlefield and Chris Kyles death, Eddie Ray Routh was found guilty of first degree murder. Kyle was killed with a .45-caliber pistol, while Littlefield was shot with a 9mm SIG Sauer P226 Mk.25 Mod 0 pistol. His gung-ho ferocity and naked hatred of enemies he described as savages shocked some, but the book became an instant bestseller. I just did a job. He also testified that Routh's psychotic symptoms could be attributed to drug and alcohol abuse. Kyle described his .338 rifle his favourite sniper gun as an awesome weapon which, when fired inside a building, produced such a powerful explosion his ears would hurt after a few shots. Continue your flu-free streak with these tips to stay healthy this flu season. In life, Kyle became the deadliest sniper in American history and spent his final years helping veterans like himself to adjust to civilian life. He argued that the lodge should have cleaned the guns prior to the day's shooting. [19], A memorial service was held for Kyle at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on February 11, 2013. Another expert, Dr. Michael Arambula, testified he did not believe Routh was schizophrenic, and was not insane at the time of the murders because he was intoxicated. Britain's big freeze: Winter's icy grip brings fresh travel hell for millions of commuters on roads and rail How did serial-prankster gain access to BBC studio? In all, he earned seven medals for bravery two Silver Stars and five Bronze Medals. He went to his sister Laura Blevin's house and explained what he had done, before she dialled 911. And now Im happy that he ate so much bacon., For much more on Chris and Taya Kyle, pick up this weeks issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday. He had gone over to the range with a. Littlefield was hit seven times, including four that would have been instantly fatal. Those pistols were loaded with the safety on. On Jan. 25, 2013, Jodi Routh approached Chris Kyle at the elementary school his kids attended and where she worked. In the context of the Newtown, Conn., massacre and the renewed debate over gun control, the shooting death of Kyle made national headlines. Kyle was the author of \"American Sniper\", a best seller about Kyle's 150+ insurgent kills. Here are five things to know about the decorated two-time Silver Star recipient, whose nickname was the Legend.. Routh later was arrested near his house in Lancaster. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Routh had been constantly in and out of mental institutions over a two-year period and had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, as well as PTSD after his career in the Marine Corps. Deployed to Iraq in 2003, Kyle reportedly made 160 kills, shattering the record held by Vietnam War sniper Adelbert Waldron, who killed 109. Cold, hard facts about how freezing winter weather can harm your health, Farmer, 71, who appeared on BBC documentary This Farming Life is killed by one of his own cows. ABC News Make ABC News your daily news outlet for breaking national and world news, broadcast video coverage, and exclusive interviews that will help you stay up to date on the events shaping our world. The contrasting portraits emerged as Routh's murder trial got underway in a Stephenville, Texas, courtroom Wednesday. He was experiencing auditory hallucinations and paranoia and had threatened suicide. After his death, Clint Eastwood directed a 2014 film, American Sniper, based on Kyles book. The phone, a box of 9 mm ammunition, drug paraphernalia and a blue-jean jacket were seized from the 25-year-old Routh's home after he was arrested near his house in Lancaster, Texas, according to a police search warrant affidavit, inventory sheet and other documents. Were so thrilled that we have the verdict that we have tonight, Kyles mother, Judy, told reporters. Scene: The shooting took place at Rough Creek Lodge in Glen Rose, Texas earlier this month. Tragically, their encounter would result in Chris Kyles death. I was in some badass situations, but it wasnt just me. Kyle, who was a former Navy SEAL, and his friend Littlefield were walking down range to set up targets when Eddie Ray Routh opened fire and hit both of them. They stared at each other for an instant before Kyle, realising they were Russian Chechens recruited to fight for the Jihad, shot them all before they could do the same to him. Despite arguments from the defense that he suffered from psychosis, schizophrenia, and other mental illnesses, a judge convicted Routh to life in prison. Chris Kyle, American Sniper, killed at a shooting range TomoNews US 2.69M subscribers 2.9M views 9 years ago Chris Kyle, the deadliest sniper in U.S. History, and his friend Chad. The phone, a box of 9 mm ammunition, drug paraphernalia including a bong and glass pipe and a blue-jean jacket were seized from Eddie Ray Routh's home after he was arrested. He doubled back to his home to find police officers waiting, Nash said, before leading police on a chase that ended because an officer slammed a police vehicle into the truck. Details about Chris Kyle and Eddie Ray Routh's day emerged at trial. For all the shots fired in Iraq after the American-led invasion in 2003, U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle rarely wasted any of his. Chris picked up Eddie in his black truck. / CBS News. Justin Nabours, a nuclear contractor who previously worked at Rough Creek Lodge, discovered Kyle and Littlefield's bodies as he arrived to introduce a client's son to Kyle. Maybe I saw a little farther, maybe I anticipated trouble better than other people, he said. Watch the stories of ordinary crime and the work of criminal masterminds. He went to a military recruiting office interested in the Marine Corps, and eventually achieved 24-week Basic Underwater Demolition/SEA, Air, Land (SEAL) training in 1999 and graduated in 2001. This made him experience hallucinations, paranoia, and suicidal thoughts. Advance through the justice system and the aftermath that follows a high profile investigation. He was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole, after his lawyers had tried to argue he had been insane at the time of the murders. Kyle, a former Navy SEAL, was walking down the range with his friend Littlefield to set up targets when Eddie Ray Routh opened fire and hit both of them. "[6][10] Local police captured Routh after a short freeway chase, which ended when Routh, who fled the scene in Kyle's Ford F-350 truck, crashed into a police cruiser in Lancaster. We also wanted to be careful not to glorify the guy who did it.. Kyle suspected the insurgents got information from Iraqis supposedly working for the U.S. He also seemed to have strange delusions, like that he was Dracula or that a tapeworm was eating his insides. He agreed to take Routh to a shooting range, which Kyle believed had therapeutic value. Nash said Routh shot Kyle seven times and Littlefield six times, then left with Kyle's pistol and truck. Then there was the young mother, gunned down while holding a little child in one hand and a primed grenade in the other. Prince Harry is dubbed 'a stupid boy' as growing number of ex-top brass criticise him for revealing his Charles's first royal RSVP! Through discovery and depositions in the case, Zook said he learned that his client had been taken out to the range not by a gun expert but by the employee who ran the resort's zipline course. After meeting in 2001, she married the infamous US Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, and had two children. A veteran considered to be the deadliest sniper in American history, a feat he described in his 2012 book American Sniper, Kyle faced criticism when it was discovered that he had exaggerated and lied about some of the claims in his memoir. Chris Kyle, who has been branded an "American Hero [1]," never expressed any regrets for his many victims but stated that he wished he could have murdered more. They say pictures of weapons, shell casings, and even the bodies of Chris Kyle and Chad Littlefield. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Routh later told a police officer that Kyle and Littlefield wouldnt talk to me. He also felt that he was in danger, explaining during an interview after his arrest that he felt that, If I didnt take out [Kyles] soul, he was going to take mine next.. His wife, Taya, similarly celebrated Rouths convicteion, writing on Facebook, God Bless the Jury And good people of Stephenville, Texas!!. One of the gunshot wounds was to the top of the head, indicating it was likely fired while Littlefield was already on the ground. A cellphone seized from the home of an Iraq War veteran accused of killing a former Navy SEAL sniper and his friend may contain pictures of him with the victims before their deaths at a Texas shooting range, according to police documents released on Thursday. The Texas sheriff who was known for investigating the murder of "American Sniper" Chris Kyle was discovered deceased from a gunshot to his head, apparently self-inflicted. I wanted to be able to let people know about the sacrifices that not only people in the service make, but what their families go through, Kyle explained to the Dallas Morning News. She graduated from Oberlin College, where she earned a double degree in American History and French. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. The Project star Carrie Bickmore has shocked Australia with the announcement . After the teenager placed a shell in the bottom barrel, aimed and pulled the trigger, "the shotgun exploded, blowing William's left thumb off and permanently and severely injuring his left hand and thumb," the complaint states. If the employee had, he would have seen the 20-gauge shells erroneously jammed into the shotgun, Zook argues. Routh later told his sister he wanted Kyles Ford pickup truck. Routh told his sister and brother-in-law that the men 'were out shooting target practice and he couldn't trust them so he killed them before they could kill him', according to a police search warrant affidavit. Kyle was one of two U.S. snipers who attracted a bounty on his head in Ramadi. As Kyle listened, Jodi told him about how her 25-year-old son, Eddie, had struggled to adjust to civilian life after serving in the military. He earned the nickname, "Shaitan Ar-Ramadi", meaning "the devil of Ramadi", from insurgents after his stellar shooting record in Ramadi. When they first emerged in warfare as marksmen picking off British officers during the American War of Independence, snipers were denounced as ungentlemanly, even cowardly. He also often drank alongside his medication, before he began refusing to take it. While cops were at the murder scene where was Eddie Ray Routh? On Thursday the drama, directed by Clint Eastwood, also became an Oscar contender, with six nominations including Best Picture, Adapted Screenplay (writer Jason Hall) and Best Actor (Bradley Cooper). 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World News Tonight keeps the American public informed, up to date, and empowered by providing the latest information and analysis of major breaking news from around the country and the world. His team surrounded by more than 100 insurgents during a night patrol, Kyle was shot in the head and then, moments later, in the back. It speaks volumes about what can happen when help comes to veterans a little too late. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Do you have information you want to share with HuffPost. Shock first photos inside Serena Williams' crumbling childhood home, Ana Walshe's pals reveal what 'delayed her fate' after husband charged, Child's body found in search for missing girl, 4, who was 'beaten to death', Missing woman's husband charged with murder after blood found in basement, 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, Chris Kyle is the author of the autobiography American Sniper, which depicts his career as the deadliest marksman in U.S. military history, Chris Kyle's book sold over 1.2 million copies and was adapted into a Clint Eastwood film, Eddie Ray Routh shot and killed Chris Kyle and his friend Chad Littlefield, Kyle had taken Routh, who was suffering from PTSD, to a shooting range. Security concerns after Youtuber managed to tape phone Money saving guru Martin Lewis reveals easy FIRST step to clearing thousands of pounds in debt, Six people die, including three children, when their throats are sliced by KITE STRINGS at Indian festival. a blog post from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Taya Kyle said she became uneasy when she called her husband at the gun range and he sounded irritated and short, according to The Associated Press. The phone may contain pictures of Routh with the victims before their deaths at a Texas shooting range, according to police documents released Thursday. Find the right rowing machine with help from this buying guide. Eddie Ray Rouths mugshot, taken after Chris Kyles death. Eddie Ray Routh faces capital murder charges for shooting the former Navy SEAL and his friend, Chad Littlefield. By all accounts, Routh returned to civilian life a. Littlefield lay on the same deck nearby. Stay informed on the latest crime news with abcnews.com.ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Tune into ABC World News Tonight with David Muir for unparalleled reporting. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle leaves behind his wife Taya and two children. I dont have to psych myself up, or do something special mentally, he said. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. [20] Hundreds of people, many waving American flags, lined Interstate 35 to view the procession and pay their final respects to Kyle. It depicts Kyle's upbringing in Odessa, Texas, as the eldest of two boys, who grew up caring for up to 150 cattle. In 2011, he started the FITCO Cares Foundation, and the next year he published his book, American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal American Sniper. I'm sure they've forgiven me.". But it wasn't until after his service ended that Chris Kyle met his untimely death. Its not patience, because Im not an incredibly patient man. The jury returned the verdict after fewer than three hours of deliberations. He enlisted in the U.S. Marines at the age of 18 in 2006 and was deployed as an armorer in 2007. A final scene of 'American Sniper' showing Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle's gory death at a rifle range was cut after the victim's wife urged screenwriters to leave it out for the sake of. [4], Routh was arraigned February 2, 2013, on two counts of capital murder, and was taken to the Erath County Jail for holding under a $3 million bond. Tara Kyle cries on the stand during court inside the Erath County Donald R. Jones Justice Center during the murder trial for Eddie Ray Routh in Stephenville, Texas, Feb. 11, 2015. Kick start your weekday mornings with news updates from Good Morning America (GMA) and Sundays with This Week with George Stephanopoulos. But it wasn't the first time Rough Creek has seen tragedy at its gun range. As his reputation grew, so did the bounty on his head - it shot up from $20,000, increasing to $80,000. I was just making sure she didnt take any Marines with her, he wrote. That he was experiencing auditory hallucinations and paranoia and had threatened suicide 2003 U.S.... Kyle seven times and Littlefield wouldnt talk to me. `` officer that Kyle Littlefield. 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