Eddie Ray Routh, the ex-Marine accused of killing “American Sniper” author Chris Kyle, was sentenced to life in prison without parole earlier this week. A jury in Stephenville, Texas found Routh guilty of murdering Kyle after a two-week trial. 

Routh shot and killed Kyle and his friend, Chad Littlefield, during February 2013 at a shooting range in Texas. 

Routh, who deals with post-traumatic stress disorder, said he was under extreme mental distress during the time of the shooting. 

Though Routh pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder on the grounds of insanity, the jury rejected the claims made by him and his lawyers. Routh’s lawyers argued that he belongs in a mental hospital, not a prison. 

His lawyers argued Routh was convinced Kyle and Littlefield were going to turn on him while they were at the range. The court also heard Routh was under the influence of marijuana and alcohol at the time of the murder. The substance abuse may have caused his disorder to become worse, according to the psychologist who testified for the prosecutors.

Kyle was known for having the most recorded kills of any U.S. sniper, as well as helping other veterans deal with combat-related stress and mental health problems. The movie “American Sniper” is based on Kyle’s memoir of his four tours in Iraq and was nominated for “Best Picture” at the Oscars this year.

Contact Sky Fought at [email protected].