Eddy Ray Routh prosecution expected to rest today, thoughts?

SPC Nicholas Cureton — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 09:12:18 -0500

Since my military service, I greatly dislike the way the title "hero" is thrown around. I have only known of a few people who deserve that title. Chris Kyle was one of mine. I've read everything I could about the "man" who murdered Mr. Kyle, I admit that he had problems, but also that he was not a good soldier.
As much as I would like Eddy Ray Routh to be executed, I don't think he it will happen. I have a sinking feeling he will be successful with an insanity plea. Any thoughts on this subject.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 9:21 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 09:21:36 -0500

I'm just finishing "American Sniper" (the book), and I agree with you, SPC Nicholas Cureton, that Chris Kyle was a true American hero. How terribly sad that he made it through four deployments and hundreds of engagements with the enemy, only to come home to be snuffed out by this guy.

I'm not exactly following the trial, but I wouldn't be surprised to learn that the insanity defense wins the day. And that's a sad postscript to Chris Kyle's life and legacy.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 9:40 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 09:40:33 -0500

The prosecution isn't seeking the death penalty so the best we can hope for is life without parole. Even if the guy is found not guilty by reason of insanity I honestly believe that no Texas mental institution would ever release him back into society.

At least there's that.

Response by CSM Michael Lynch made Feb 17 at 2015 9:52 AM

CSM Michael Lynch — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 09:52:07 -0500

It is a shame that we have a law that would allow this individual to take the lives of two great Americans. I agree the Kyle family will probably want the death penalty taken off the table, being the type of great people they seem to be. It however should stay on the table and be executed. His children should never have to hear this murders name again in the future as he "gets better", comes up for parole or anything. He committed cold blooded murder on that day and he should pay the ultimate price.

I would like to hear more about his background in the Marines and I'm pretty sure he was not a stellar Marine. IF his family knew he was having issues , why didn't they get him help? They could had folks intervene. I hope his family gets the justice deserved and Routh's name isn't brought up in the future. It is sad that he and his family were finally at a time they were moving forward and placing his Seal days behind him.

I agree with you SPC Nicholas Cureton and CW5 Private RallyPoint Member I just finished the book and what a great read. I hope you have the one that his wife added her thoughts in and her talks while the movie was being made.

Response by SPC David S. made Feb 17 at 2015 2:25 PM

SPC David S. — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 14:25:55 -0500

Being an advocate for those with mental health issues I'd like to know more about Routh's mental fitness. While I to doubt the claims of PTSD, I do feel that there is the possibility that Routh my be suffering from a mental illness. Not going to even try to guess as there are many. The use of drugs is common with mental health issues as a form of self medicating much like with PTSD. Also mental illness can manifest later in life so he could have at one time appeared to be well adjusted. With there being a number of predisposing And precipitating factors to mental illness I'd like to see more evidence that supports his claims. As to the death penalty I don't see the Kyle family wanting or seeking this in the sentencing phase. While I'm sure my views are not well received I'm not saying Routh should not answer for the crimes he committed.