The veterans group Warfighter Foundation is claiming that Eddie Ray Routh, the suspected killer of former U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle and Chad Littlefield, never saw military battle — and doesn’t have PTSD, as his defense team suggests.
Widow Taya Kyle said similarly during a recent Fox News interview, claiming that the post-traumatic stress disorder claimed by Mr. Routh and his legal team is a narrative they want to push — but one that’s not likely true, she said.
The information could dramatically alter the direction of Mr. Routh’s murder trial, which is in the jury selection stage.
At the same time, the group doesn’t provide conclusive evidence to back its claims, The Blaze first reported.
Mr. Routh and his attorneys are claiming that he shot Kyle and Littlefield in February 2013 at a gun range because of his post-traumatic stress disorder that stemmed from his military service.
The Warfighter Foundation put out this online message: “The Warfighter Foundation is currently seeking Marines that served with or knew Eddie Routh. As well as any other individuals that could provide further details in regards to Mr. Routh. It is imperative that you contact us.”
The group’s president, Spencer Walker, said Mr. Routh’s claim of PTSD seems suspect.
“Basically, we are trying to conclude what led up over the course of [Routh’s] military service that led to February 2, 2013,” Mr. Walker said, in an interview with the The Blaze. “None of us believe it was PTSD.”
And in a Facebook post in late January, The Warfighter Foundation spoke bluntly about members’ doubts.
“Okay, time to put an mend to this whole discussion that Eddie Routh suffered from PTSD. For those of you who do not know, Eddie Routh is the murderer of US Navy SEAL Chris Kyle. Eddie Routh served one tour in Iraq in 2007, at Balad Air Base (the 2nd largest U.S. installation in IRaq), with no significant events. No combat experience. Let me say that again, he NEVER SAW COMBAT or any aspect of traumatic events associated with a combat deployment (i.e. incoming mortar or rocket fire). He never left the base, EVER,” the Facebook post said.
The Warfighter Foundation suggests Mr Routh has “psychological problems that were not associated with his service,” the Daily Mail reported.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.