A former Navy SEAL known for claiming a record number of sniper killings in Iraq was one of two men shot dead at a Texas gun range, allegedly at the hands of a fellow military veteran, officials say.
Chris Kyle, the author of the best-selling “American Sniper,” and Chad Littlefield, Kyle’s friend, were gunned down Saturday afternoon on the grounds of the expansive Rough Creek Lodge and Resort in Glen Rose, Texas, southwest of Fort Worth, law enforcement officials said.
About four hours afterward, and 90 miles from where those two men’s bodies were found by a hunting guide, authorities arrested suspect Eddie Ray Routh, 25, on a capital murder warrant.
Routh’s family members could not be reached immediately for comment Sunday. No attorney has made a public statement on his behalf.
Erath County Sheriff Tommy Bryant said Sunday that he believes the suspect is in the process of seeking a court-appointed attorney.
While Routh’s sister said he had admitted shooting Kyle and Littlefield, he didn’t explain to her why he did it, Bryant said. Routh isn’t believed to have confessed to local authorities about killing the two men. The motive for the killings is unclear.
“I don’t know that we’ll ever know,” Erath County Sheriff’s Capt. Jason Upshaw said Sunday. “(Routh) is the only one that knows that.”
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In a statement, the foundation described Kyle as an “American hero” and pledged to carry on his mission.
“What began as a plea for help from Chris looking for in-home fitness equipment for his brothers- and sisters-in-arms” struggling with PTSD turned into an organization that will continue after his death,” Cox said in a statement.
“Chris died doing what he filled his heart with passion — serving soldiers struggling with the fight to overcome PTSD. His service, life and premature death will never be in vain. May God watch over his family and all those who considered Chris a true friend.”
His friend, Jason Kos, offered similarly glowing sentiments, telling CNN’s “Early Start Weekend” that Kyle was “a man of incredible character.”
“He led by example,” Kos said. “He always stopped to take time to talk to whoever was around him. Just incredibly humble, very funny as well.”
CNN’s Susan Candiotti, AnneClaire Stapleton, Barbara Starr, Emily Smith and Nick Valencia contributed to this report.
