Eddie Ray Routh Trial - The trial of Eddie Ray Routh, a former Marines officer, who shot and killed American Sniper's Chris Kyle and Chad Littlefield at a shooting range in Texas, is about to begin.
The jury selection for the capital murder trial started on Thursday. 27-year-old Routh is reportedly suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. Chris Kyle had reportedly been trying to help him through his condition after Routh's mother pleaded with him, however his intervention turned fatal.
Although it is not clear what transpired between the men, Routh, a veteran small arms technician, is accused of killing 38-year-old Kyle and his friend 35-year-old Littlefield on Feb. 2, 2013 at the Rough Creek Lodge shooting range located in Fort Worth, Texas.
According to reports, prosecutors are not looking to press the death penalty for Routh. Meanwhile, his attorney J. Warren St. John has revealed that he will be pleading not guilty; citing insanity.
According to Wanda Pringle, a court spokeswoman, about 800 people have been called up to serve in the jury.
However, only after vetting by the judge and attorneys would the 12 jurors and two alternates, who will serve in the Eddie Ray Routh trial be selected.
The vetting process for potential jurors would be held in four sessions. With opening statements expected to begin on Wednesday, the final jury selection is set for next week Monday and Tuesday.
Reports indicate that defense attorneys have tried to have the trial postponed, or the venue changed because of the success of the recently released movie America Sniper, which is based on Kyle's memoir.
However, the Judge denied their request, but has issued a long list of rules pertaining to the media coverage of the Eddie Ray Routh Trial.
The police have also been informed of dates and road closures as a result of the trail.
Since his death, Kyle has attained legendary status, with almost a cult-like following. The retired Navy Seal holds the U.S. military record for amassing the highest number of confirmed kills in history - 160.
