Who killed American Sniper author Chris Kyle and why? Details analyzed

Chris Kyle was a U.S. Navy SEAL sniper, widely regarded as the deadliest marksman in American military history, whose life and service inspired the memoir American Sniper.

On February 2, 2013, Kyle, 38, and his friend Chad Littlefield, 35, were shot and killed by Eddie Ray Routh at the Rough Creek Ranch-Lodge-Resort shooting range in Erath County, Texas. Both victims were armed with .45-caliber pistols that were never unholstered or fired and their safety catches remained on. 

Kyle was killed with a .45-caliber pistol, while Littlefield was shot with a 9 mm SIG Sauer pistol, both owned by Kyle. Routh, a 25-year-old former U.S. Marine from Lancaster, Texas, had been taken to the range by the two men. He had a history of mental illness, including a schizophrenia diagnosis and had self-diagnosed PTSD. 

Kyle had texted Littlefield expressing concern about Routh’s behavior shortly before the shooting. After the murders, Routh confessed to his sister, who called 911, and he was later arrested following a brief police chase. Routh was charged with two counts of capital murder, with his trial beginning in February 2015 after delays. On February 24, 2015, he was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison without parole.

What was American Sniper all about?
 

American Sniper is a biographical war drama film written by Jason Hall and directed by Clint Eastwood. The movie is based on the autobiography "American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History" by Chris Kyle, co-written with Scott McEwen and Jim DeFelice. It was released theatrically in the United States on December 25, 2014.

American Sniper follows the life of Chris Kyle, tracing his journey from a Texas childhood shaped by his father’s lessons on responsibility and protection to his rise as a legendary U.S. Navy SEAL sniper. 

After personal heartbreak and witnessing news of global terrorism, Kyle enlists in the Navy and eventually serves multiple tours in Iraq following the 9/11 attacks. Renowned for his precision and instinct, he saves countless Marines and earns the nickname “Legend,” while also grappling with the emotional toll of killing and constant danger, including duels with the insurgent sniper Mustafa. 

At home, Kyle marries Taya and becomes a father, but repeated deployments strain their relationship and leave him haunted by memories of war. Despite promotions and successful missions, guilt over fallen comrades drives him back into combat. 

After his final tour, Kyle struggles to adjust to civilian life and seeks healing by helping wounded veterans. His life ended tragically in 2013 when a veteran killed him while he was trying to help, cementing his legacy as both a warrior and a man deeply affected by war.

Stay tuned for the latest news, updates and announcements from the world of films and TV shows.