‘Sniper’ jury speaks out: Routh “knew the consequences”
The decision came down to cold, hard evidence
Last night, a Texas jury returned a guilty verdict against Eddie Ray Routh for the 2013 murders of Chris Kyle and Chad Littlefield. Routh’s insanity defense was rejected, and he is set to be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Soon after the verdict was announced, Good Morning America‘s George Stephanopoulos interviewed members of the jury and gave them the opportunity to explain their reasoning for the guilty verdict, and the rejection of Routh’s insanity plea.
More from Mediaite:
“We all had our strong feelings,” one juror said. Another indicated there was no disagreement from the start of deliberations.
As for whether Routh was “faking” his insanity, one female juror told George Stephanopoulos that “evidence shows there was a definite pattern there when it came to his earlier convictions before the trial… [which was that] he would get intoxicated, get in trouble, and the police would show up, and he’d say, ‘I’m a veteran, I have PTSD.’”
“Bottom line: You were convinced that he knew the difference between right and wrong when he pull those triggers?” Stephanopoulos asked.
“Without a doubt,” a few said aloud. “He knew the consequences.”
Stephanopoulos went on to ask the inevitable question: Did you see ‘American Sniper?’ Did it affect your decision? I’m glad he did, because it gave the jurors an opportunity to offer their perspective on a conversation that has been swirling around their heads since they entered the jury box.
Some of them saw the movie, but in the end, all of them reached a guilty verdict—multiple times.
Watch:
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This may be the most important interview associated with the ‘American Sniper’ trial, because it heads off questions about how fair this trial could have possibly been, given Kyle’s fame and rise as a pop culture icon. We’ll probably see articles ten years down the line that question whether or not a change in venue should have been allowed, or if a fair trial was even possible, but the fact that the jury got to sit down and explain in their own words how they came to a conclusion so quickly—they deliberated for just over two hours—will lend credibility to those who defend the jury and their verdict.
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Comments
Hurrah for justice.
One of the first things I note about this interview is that, because none of the parties involved were/are black, the jurors don’t have to hide.
Using PTSD as an excuse for your bad actions – not good. Not good at all.
Now, he confessed to have killed both men because they “wouldn’t pay attention to” him. Bet ya dollars to donuts that he’s going to get paid LOTS OF ATTENTION, as soon as other prisoners find out who he killed…
“Crazy don’t run”
Reputedly, that was part of the closing by the prosecutor.
If so, it was perfect for Stephenville, Texas.
I believe the motive was to steal Chris Kyle’s honor.
Using an insanity defense, Routh likely reasoned, for doing something so unthinkable, he would eventually be in the spotlight and be able to steal Kyle’s mojo and life.
In other words, I think it was pre-meditated.
So, I hope and pray that the families can now engage a civil attorney and make sure this convicted killer never profits from his heinous crime.
Honestly, I think in his mind he could garner enough sympathy from the Left (“Look! Remember that “deadliest sniper in American history”? I killed him: I killed a killer! He killed kids in the name of America, remember? I’m a hero to you all. right?” I’m sure Michael Moore applauded!) so he and some buddies could start their own version of the “Free Mumia” campaign.
But, you see, he didn’t count on the jury remembering Chad Littlefield, the other guy who was killed – a regular civilian who was interested in helping our Veterans. He and Kyle hit it off quite well. What could have these two men accomplished for our Veterans, had they not been killed by this selfish bastard? Imagine.
May these two men rest in peace.
I agree it was pre-meditated. It was a way for a nothingburger of a little twerp with an inferiority complex who never saw combat to make a name. I think he bulked up for court so that he could appear to be an ‘equal’ to Kyle.
GOO LUCK
Only 6 jurors required for a capital judgement in Texas ?
There were 12 jurors. 10 women, 2 men.
What’s with all the linky-love lately for Mediate (described by founding managing editor as “Huffington Post meets Gawker”)? Was this story not available from any other source, one a bit more deserving of free traffic?
…and in your subsequent post, linky-love to the Daily Beast. Srsly? Why do we want to contribute to the ratings success of blogs which spend most of their time and pixels trashing us?
…and HuffPo? Gah.
Good point.