The Tragic End Of An American Hero: 5 Shocking Facts About Who Killed Chris Kyle And Where He Is Now

The question of who killed Chris Kyle, the legendary Navy SEAL sniper and author of the best-selling memoir "American Sniper," remains a topic of intense public interest, even over a decade after the tragic event. As of this current date, December 18, 2025, the definitive facts surrounding the murder are well-established through the exhaustive criminal trial, revealing a complex and heartbreaking narrative that highlights the severe challenges faced by military veterans struggling with mental health issues.

The man responsible for the deaths of Chris Kyle and his friend, Chad Littlefield, was a fellow veteran, Eddie Ray Routh. The circumstances of the February 2, 2013, shooting were a devastating twist of fate, as Kyle and Littlefield had taken Routh to a remote Texas shooting range in a compassionate attempt to help him cope with his severe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This article provides a comprehensive, up-to-date look at the man who committed the crime, the details of the capital murder trial, and where the killer is serving his sentence today.

Chris Kyle: A Biography of the 'American Sniper'

Christopher Scott "Chris" Kyle was one of the most decorated and effective snipers in U.S. military history, earning the moniker "The Legend" among his comrades. His life was defined by service, marksmanship, and a deep commitment to his fellow veterans.

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• Full Name: Christopher Scott Kyle
• Date of Birth: April 8, 1974
• Hometown: Odessa, Texas
• Military Service: United States Navy SEAL (1999–2009)
• Rank: Chief Petty Officer (E-7)
• Service Record: Served four tours of duty in the Iraq War. He was awarded two Silver Stars and five Bronze Stars with Valor.
• Confirmed Kills: Officially credited with 160 confirmed kills, though his personal estimate was higher, making him the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history.
• Post-Military Career: Founded the company Craft International, which provided tactical training. He also became an advocate for veterans' mental health and authored the 2012 memoir, American Sniper.
• Wife: Taya Kyle
• Date of Death: February 2, 2013 (Age 38)
• Location of Death: Rough Creek Lodge and Resort shooting range, Erath County, Texas.

After retiring from the Navy, Kyle dedicated his time to helping veterans transition back to civilian life, often using shooting as a form of therapy. It was this altruistic mission that tragically led to his and Chad Littlefield’s deaths.

The Day of the Murder: The Tragic Context at Rough Creek Lodge

The events of February 2, 2013, unfolded at the Rough Creek Lodge and Resort, a sprawling 11,000-acre ranch in Erath County, Texas. Chris Kyle and his friend, Chad Littlefield, a former Marine and Kyle's neighbor, had arranged to meet with Eddie Ray Routh, a 25-year-old former Marine corporal who was battling severe mental health issues.

A Mission of Compassion

Kyle and Littlefield were attempting a form of "shooting therapy," a method Kyle believed could help veterans suffering from trauma and PTSD. Routh's mother, Jodi Routh, had reached out to Kyle for help, as her son was struggling with alcoholism, depression, and had recently been hospitalized multiple times for psychiatric treatment.

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The two men picked up Routh, and the three drove to the remote shooting range. The tension was palpable almost immediately. During the drive, Kyle sent a haunting text message to Littlefield: "This dude is straight up nuts." Littlefield replied, "He’s sitting right behind me, watch my six."

The Fatal Shooting

Once at the range, Routh used a semi-automatic handgun and a rifle to shoot both men at close range. Kyle was shot six times, and Littlefield was shot seven times.

Routh then fled the scene in Kyle’s Ford F-250 pickup truck. The truck was later spotted at his sister's house in Lancaster, Texas, where Routh confessed to the murders to his sister and her husband. A standoff with police ensued before Routh was apprehended.

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The Trial of Eddie Ray Routh: Insanity Defense and Capital Murder

The trial of Eddie Ray Routh became a national spectacle, drawing intense media scrutiny due to Chris Kyle's fame from his book and the subsequent blockbuster film adaptation, American Sniper. The central argument of the defense was not denial of the crime, but a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity.

The Insanity Defense

Routh's defense team argued that he was suffering from a severe mental illness—specifically, paranoid schizophrenia—and was in the throes of a psychotic episode when he committed the murders. Expert witnesses testified that Routh was experiencing delusions, believing that Kyle and Littlefield were "pig-eaters" and were planning to kill him.

The prosecution countered this argument by presenting evidence that Routh was fully aware of his actions. They pointed to his confession, his attempt to evade police, and his comments about the crime, which they argued showed he knew killing the men was wrong. The prosecution emphasized that while Routh may have suffered from PTSD and other mental health issues, he did not meet the legal standard for insanity in Texas law.

The Verdict and Sentence

The jury, after a trial that lasted two weeks, took less than three hours to reach a verdict. On February 24, 2015, Eddie Ray Routh was found guilty of the capital murder of both Chris Kyle and Chad Littlefield.

Because the prosecution chose not to seek the death penalty, the automatic sentence for capital murder was life in prison without the possibility of parole. This verdict ensured that Routh would spend the rest of his life incarcerated, providing a sense of closure for the families of the victims.

Where Is Chris Kyle’s Killer Now? Eddie Ray Routh’s Current Status

The question of Eddie Ray Routh's current whereabouts is frequently searched, as the public seeks assurance that the man responsible for the high-profile murder remains behind bars. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) maintains the records for Routh’s incarceration.

Incarceration Details

Eddie Ray Routh, Inmate ID: 02008436, is currently serving his life sentence without parole in the Texas state prison system.

As of late 2025, Routh is housed at the Ramsey I Unit in Rosharon, Texas. This facility is a maximum-security prison. His sentence means he has no projected release date, ensuring he will never be eligible for parole.

The Legacy of the Tragedy

The tragic deaths of Chris Kyle and Chad Littlefield—two men attempting to help a struggling veteran—sparked a nationwide conversation about the state of mental healthcare for military personnel. While Routh’s crime was determined to be capital murder, the case brought unprecedented attention to the devastating effects of untreated Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and the need for greater veteran support programs. Kyle’s widow, Taya Kyle, has continued her husband's work, advocating for mental health awareness and support for military families, ensuring that the legacy of Chris Kyle’s final, compassionate mission endures.

Summary of Key Entities and Facts

The murder of Chris Kyle was a complex tragedy rooted in the intersection of military service, mental health crisis, and compassion. The following entities were central to the crime, the trial, and the aftermath:

• Victims: Christopher Scott Kyle, Chad Hutson Littlefield
• Perpetrator: Eddie Ray Routh (Former Marine Corporal)
• Location: Rough Creek Lodge and Resort, Erath County, Texas
• Date: February 2, 2013
• Motive/Context: Veteran outreach and Routh's severe mental state (Paranoid Schizophrenia/PTSD)
• Legal Outcome: Guilty of Capital Murder (February 24, 2015)
• Sentence: Life in Prison Without Parole
• Current Incarceration: Ramsey I Unit, Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ)