Jury selection for the trial of Eddie Ray Routh — the man arrested and charged with the shooting death of former Navy SEAL Chris Kyle and another man — kicks off Thursday in Texas.
Prosecutors say Mr. Routh, 27, shot and killed both Kyle and Chad Littlefield at the Rough Creek Lodge shooting range in Fort Worth, Texas, on Feb. 2, 2013. Mr. Routh reportedly suffers from post traumatic stress disorder and his attorney, J.Warren St. John, has indicated he will plead not guilty by reason of insanity.
Prosecutors, meanwhile, have said they would not seek the death penalty, CBS News reported.
Defense attorneys had sought a trial delay and a change of venue due to the popularity of “American Sniper,” the blockbuster film that chronicles Kyle’s military and personal experiences. But the judge has denied that request.
Roughly 800 people have been called for possible jury duty, said Wanda Pringle, a court spokeswoman, CBS News reported. Those who are selected will be ordered to stay silent about the case.
The trial is expected to take two weeks once the jury is seated, Fox News reported.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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