Hero Navy SEAL Sniper Killed While Helping Veteran Recover From PTSD

KHOU: GLEN ROSE, Texas — A former U.S. Navy SEAL who gained recognition during the Iraq War was one of two people fatally shot southwest of Fort Worth on Saturday, KHOU 11 News has learned. Sources close to the investigation identified the former SEAL as Chris Kyle, 39, author of the New York Times bestselling book, “American Sniper.” Kyle was shot point-blank while helping another soldier who was recovering from post traumatic stress syndrome, officials said. Officials said the second shooting victim, whose identity was not released, was a neighbor of the suspect.The murders happened at a shooting range near the town of Glen Rose, about 53 miles southwest of Fort Worth.The Erath County Sheriff’s Office issued an alert for the arrest of the suspect on Saturday night, who was later identified as Eddie Routh, 25. Officials warned Routh was traveling in a Ford F-150 pickup with large tires and rims. They said he was believed to be highly trained with military experience.Investigators believe Routh, a former Marine, turned his weapon on Kyle and the second victim before fleeing the scene. They traced him to his home in Lancaster, south of Dallas.

Routh, 25, was captured at 9 p.m. after a short pursuit. He was transferred to Erath County early Sunday morning to face murder charges.Since retiring as a Navy SEAL, Kyle had been actively helping other military veterans recover from PTSD.