Chris Kyle, the author of the best-selling “American Sniper,” and Chad Littlefield, 35, Kyle’s friend, were gunned down on Saturday while shooting for fun at a Texas gun range, law enforcement officials said.
Eddie Ray Routh, 25, a former Marine who told police last year he was suffering from post traumatic stress, was held on a capital murder warrant, authorities said.
Shay Isham, a lawyer appointed to represent him, said his client spent roughly the past two years in and out in Veteran Affairs medical facilities for treatment of mental issues.
Authorities said Kyle, 38, often took veterans with post traumatic stress to the gun range as a way of bonding with and mentoring them.
Erath County Sheriff Tommy Bryant said Routh served in the Marines for four years, but it was unclear how much of that time, if any, was spent in combat zones.
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Possible steps include better monitoring of people with mental illness to prevent them from obtaining firearms.
Mayors Against Illegal Guns aired an ad during the Super Bowl advocating universal background checks for gun sales.
President Barack Obama also reiterated his call on Monday for comprehensive steps to address gun violence, including expanded background checks.
CNN’s Greg Botelho, Joe Johns, Jen Christensen and Josh Levs contributed to this report.
