Commentary from magiclougie is in brackets [ ].
JURY SELECTION
8:31 AM - 9 Feb 2015
Eddie Routh trial update: 145 potential jurors being questioned. The rest of 263 called were sent home. May be called Tue if needed.
8:34 AM - 9 Feb 2015
1 juror excused for talking to a reporter. When asked if they could judge solely on evidence despite publicity, all raised their hands.
8:57 AM - 9 Feb 2015
Eddie Routh wearing gray sport coat, no tie, black rimmed glasses, buzz cut hair, clean shaven. About 6'2". Husky. No resemblance to mugshot.
Erath DA Alan Nash tells panel only punishment possible in this case is life in prison. There will be no punishment phase if convicted.
Now asking if anyone knew Chad Littlefield or Chris Kyle, or if they know victims' families. Only 1 response.
9:05 AM - 9 Feb 2015
Going through people involved in case. Paramedics, range workers, law enforcement. Likely witnesses. Simply knowing does not disqualify.
Each side will get 11 strikes to cover 12 jurors and 2 alternates.
2:00 PM - 9 Feb 2015
Routh's lawyer questioned jury pool on publicity and insanity. All said they could decide on evidence only.
3:35 PM - 9 Feb 2015
Jury seated. 10 women. 2 men. Testimony in Routh trial starts Wednesday.
8:45 AM - 10 Feb 2015
Eddie Routh in court. Brief pre-trial motions. State wants to photograph his tattoos. Granted
3:55 PM - 10 Feb 2015
Prosecutors want to show jurors Eddie Routh's "high life" tattoo to emphasize drug use.
3:58 PM - 10 Feb 2015
Prosecutors also hope to introduce a list of 37 extraneous offenses. Drugs, DWI, killing small animals, flooding cell.
As spectators arrive the first day of trial, courthouse bells played the hymn "My hope is built on nothing less."
State troopers at courthouse. Routh arrived in caravan on backside of building.
DAY 1, FEBRUARY 11, 2015
Trial starts 9AM Central on Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Eddie Routh pleads "Not Guilty" to the murders of Christopher Kyle and Chad Littlefield.
State tells jury they must answer 2 questions:Did Routh intentionally cause death & when he did so, did he know what he was doing was wrong?
State has burden to prove Routh intentionally killed Kyle/Littlefield. Defense has burden to prove he did not know it was wrong i.e Insanity
Trial Opening Statements on Video: Texas v. Routh, 2/11/15
Prosecutor tells jury Routh served as a marine in the green or "safe zone" in Iraq.
Prosecutor tells jury that Chad Littlefield was shot 4 times in back [this is a lie]. Also in face and top of head with 9mm handgun.
Prosecutor tells jury that Kyle was shot with a .45 4 times in the back [this is a lie], 1 in the side, and 1 in the head, but this is contrary to the evidence.
NOTE: The prosecution has consistently said over the past two years that the shots were to their backs, but this is contrary to the evidence. The reason the prosecution did this was to present Routh as a coward to the public and jury pool. Plus, throughout the trial, prosecutors told the jury that the men were shot in the back.
Eddie left the shooting range with the 9mm (that was issued to SEALs) and the .45 [he left only with the 9mm and not the .45, so this is a lie by the prosecution; and Routh has consistently denied that he used two guns; he said he only used the 9mm when he shot at Kyle and Littlefield and that he said he shot Kyle 2-3 times, but he was not specific on the number of times he shot Littlefield].
Prosecutor tells jury that Routh stole Kyle's truck and first went to his uncle's to show him the new guns he got, and then went to his sister's and showed her his new truck and new guns [this is a lie by the prosecution: he went to his uncle's and then his sister's seeking their advice because he was running on adreneline and didn't know what to do]. Then he admitted to his sister that he murdered 2 men.
Prosecutor tells jury about gunshot wounds. Littlefield was shot four times in the back [again, this is a lie perpetrated by the prosecution team since the murders on February 2, 2013]. Chris Kyle was shot five times.
Routh told his sister he was going to flee to Oklahoma in Chris Kyle's truck.
Nash: Routh told sister he planned to flee to Mexico [he told her he was going to Oklahoma]. Led law enforcement on pursuit. State trying to show he knew he had done wrong.
Prosecutor: Routh admitted to sheriffs he smoked pot and drank whiskey the morning he killed Littlefield and Kyle [this is another lie by the prosecution: Routh never told the police he drank that morning].
Prosecutor Nash says Littlefield was shot 4 times with a 9mm in back [again, repeating this lie], one time in the face, one time in head; and Kyle was shot with a different gun 5 times in back [again, repeating this lie], 1 time in head.
Nash says the .45 pistol was the gun used to kill Kyle and a 9mm used to kill Littlefield. Says both were found on Routh [again, this is a lie; only the 9mm was found with Routh in the truck after he was apprehended].
Nash says 9mm had markings proving it was issued by Navy to Kyle.
Routh defense attorney Tim Moore has floor.
Says Routh took Chris Kyle and Chad Littlefield's life because he was "in the grip of psychosis."
Defense says Routh was in a psychosis the morning of Feb 2, 2013. He thought it was "his life or theirs."
Defense says Routh thought he had to take their lives. Says he did not know what he did was wrong.
Moore said in the state of psychosis, Eddie Routh felt he had to kill the 2 men or else they would kill him.
Using whiteboard, Moore running through Routh's mental illnesses. Said he struggled with alcohol & marijuana.
Moore says Routh was admitted to a VA Hospital and was suicidal. Then taken to psychiatric hospital in Dallas.
Defense showing that Routh was brought to mental hospital on many occasions and was always released, even though he was severely ill.
Two weeks before killings, Moore said Routh had a psychotic episode. Held people at knife point in apartment. Police take him back to mental hospital.
Moore: Eddie Routh released from hospital even with mental illness that could hurt others.Was told to stay on medication.
Moore said the night before the killings, Routh proposed to girlfriend and that she accepted, but next morning, he was paranoid and told her to leave.
Defense describe Routh's marriage proposal to Jennifer Weed. He was very paranoid; told her not to speak out load, people are listening.
Moore said while driving to gun range, Chris Kyle texted to Chad Littlefield, sitting next to him, about Routh: "This dude is straight up nuts."
After being arrested by Lancaster PD, Routh was interviewed by a TX Ranger. Moore tells jury they'll see interview and "psychotic responses."
"At time of this tragedy, Eddie Routh was suffering from a mental disease and did not know his conduct was wrong."
Defense attorney Moore says multiple mental experts will testify that they believe Routh was insane at the time of the murders [the judge would later disqualify one of the defense's expert witnesses, leaving only one to testify in front of the jury that Routh was insane; but the judge allowed both of the prosecution's paid expert witnesses, with very similar credentials, to testify in front of the jury that Routh was not insane].
By law, defense only has to prove by "preponderance of evidence" that Routh did not know right from wrong. Not "beyond reasonable doubt."
On witness stand is Taya Kyle, Chris Kyle's wife and resident of Midlothean for four years. She married Kyle in 2002. [She is from Oregon and met Kyle while she was living in San Diego.]
Taya Kyle said Rough Creek built a long range shooting range with the help of Chris. He had specific dimensions and specific guidelines.
She can barely speak. Tears as she tries to say his name.
Her breaths are shaky. "I'm sorry. I'm not nervous, just emotional."
Asked where he served. She says Falujah where contractors were burned.
Then she says Ramadi, where 2 friends died beside him. She talks directly to jury.
She says she learned later that he went down a bullet filled alley to save a journalist.
Describes a marine dying on Chris's chest as he tried to save him. Painting picture of selfless man.
Taya says Chris came home physically and emotionally battered. 30% disability for PTSD. 2 knee surgeries.
Taya says she talked to Chris from range. Could tell he was irritated by something.
Chad Littlefield's wife called. Also worried. Taya called and texted Chris. No response.
Then police officer arrives at house. After several minutes, he tells her Chris is dead.
State asking Taya if Kyle had trouble adjusting to civilian life when he came home from war. She says he did- he drank, had night sweats.
Taya says Chris struggled adapting to civilian life. Drank a little, had trouble sleeping, put on weight.
Taya now testifying about how Chad Littlefield and Chris Kyle became friends. Met before book. Chad clicked with Chris' personality.
Kyle and Littlefield worked out together in Kyle's garage early mornings, around 5:30 am.
Taya talking about their day on Feb. 2, 2013: kids had sporting events, after the game they took separate cars home because he had plans with Routh [he did not have plans with Routh: Routh, and Routh's family and friends, did not know Kyle was planning to pickup Eddie that day].
Taya had plans in afternoon to take their daughter to "Build-a-Bear" while Chris was at the range. Chris left around noon.
Taya voice cracks as she talks about last time she saw Chris. They were at house. "We said we loved each other. Hugged and kissed, like always."
Multiple family pictures of Chris shown to jury.
After leaving, they talked by phone around 2-3pm. Chris was at was very quick on the phone. She asked if he was okay. He said "yep."
Taya said she could tell something was wrong when she spoke to Kyle on the phone at Rough Creek. Said he sounded off, irritated. It was short conversation. Felt Chris couldn't say much cause others were around.
Chad's wife called Taya wondering if she heard from guys. Taya called Chris. No answer. Texted: "Are you okay? I'm getting worried."
When Taya hadn't heard from Kyle she texted him that she was worried. And then a police officer, a friend of Chris who would occasionally drop by, came to the home.
Officer asked Taya if she had seen Chris' truck. She said no. Officer said he believed Chris had been hurt.
Neighbor came to get Kyle children, she called her mother, she started to get texts from a lot of people. "I knew something was up."
Taya did not answer calls, only wanted to hear from police. Was told by the original officer, Kyle friend, that husband was dead.
In later testimony, state showed multiple calls to Kyle phone Feb. 2, 2013. Taya tried to reach her husband at 5:18 and 5:30. Routh's mom tried Kyle 6:06.
Taya Kyle questioned by defense.
Defense asks Taya if it would be sound judgement for someone to pick up somebody with alcohol on breath and go to gun range.
Taya said Chris would not drink before range, but in dealing with and helping vets, not unheard of for someone to have a drink before range.
Warren St. John asks if Chris would take drunk person to gun range [prosecutors say Eddie Routh drank and smoked pot before trip].
Taya testified earlier Chris did not want to be around shooters who had been drinking.
Back under direct examination, Taya says Chris did not associate with those who did illegal drugs. Probably couldn't identify effects.
Taya Kyle has been excused from stand.
The defense asked for a mistrial, which is common in a trial like this, but the judge quickly denied it.
It was directly after Taya had recounted her son claiming the day up until finding out about Kyle's death was "the best day of his life." After the motion for a mistrial was denied she said, "I guess he doesn't like my stories."
Judy Littlefield takes the stand:
Judy Littlefield cries a little bit when asked Chad's birthday. February 11, 1977. He would have been 38 today. She can barely say it's his birthday.
Chad Littlefield and his wife have a daughter named Morgan who had just turned 7 when father was killed.
Picture of Chad shown for court. He is wearing the "Punisher" symbol Kyle wore overseas. Plus picture of Chad and his daughter shown to jury.
Chad Littlefield would help install fitness equipment with Kyle for his charity FitCo.
Littlefield and Kyle were both soccer dads. They met on the field where their kids played together.
Chad stopped for lunch day before he died. Usually at lunch, he'd stay for an hour. That day he stayed for 2 1/2 hours.
Miss Littlefield says the topic of conversation was how Chad felt in a good place spiritually. Talked how he wanted daughter raised.
Chad's mom said he was a "neat freak." Didn't settle for drug store cologne. "Had to have the Armani and the Chanel."
She says Chad checked on her every day. "A good son." A "passion for veterans," but not a vet.
Judy found out something was wrong at 9pm on Feb. 2, 2013. She went to Taya's house and there was a lot of law enforcement.
Judy Littlefield says her son would not go to range with someone drinking.
Mrs Littlefield said her son had no experience dealing with people on drugs.
Frank Alvarez of Rough Creek Lodge, where murder happened, is third witness.
Prosecution having Alvarez to paint a picture of Rough Creek Lodge: 11,000 acres, world class restaurants, spa, shooting activities, zip line.
Prosecutor going over photos of Rough Creek Lodge with their resident manager for almost half an hour.
Prosecutor is showing a map of Rough Creek Lodge in relation to the surroundings roads and highways.
Prosecutor is beginning to present crime scene photos as evidence.
Taya is in courtroom. Taya is watching and shaking her head as they present this graphic photos.
Graphic crime scene photos being shown. Shows both Kyle and Littlefield lying near range deck [others said Kyle was off the platform and Littlefield was on the platform].
Prosecutors are asking Alvarez about how Kyle checked-in. Alvarez gave Kyle the clear to use the range around 3:15 p.m. Kyle was only planning to be out there for 45 minutes. Alvarez did not meet Routh or get his name from Kyle [this is because Kyle and Littlefield went inside to register, leaving Routh in the backseat of the truck].
Shows the empty chamber of Chris Kyle's long colt revolver [which he had just finished shooting at the practice target].
Justin Nabours was called to the stand. Nabours is 25-years-old. He is a staff worker at the crime scene after the men were killed, and he gave chest compressions to Kyle and Littlefield.
Justin went to the gun range because his client, who he was taking on a pig hunt, asked if his son could meet Chris Kyle.
Nabours said that they were headed to the shooting range at around 3:40-3:50. There were two red flags up by the entrance of the range so that people would know there were others shooting on the range as a safety precaution.
When Nabours approached the scene, he could see rifles and ammunition, but no people. He thought they were putting out the "bravo flag" down the road. He waited five minutes (there were two others with him). When the people he assumed had left did not show, he approached the platform and saw the two bodies. Chris Kyle was laying face down on the grass. He saw the second body, Chad Littlefield, laying on his back on the platform. Nabours told the people with him to call 911 and head back to the lodge. He called staff for help. Routh was not at the scene at this time.
EMT Bobby Epps is called to the stand. He is the lieutenant for Somervell and has worked there for the past eight years.
Paul Boccafogli is the general manager at Rough Creek Lodge that arrived at the scene with Alvarez.
Epps said that they received the call at 5:10 p.m. They arrived on the scene between 5:30 and 5:40 p.m. They requested a helicopter to the scene when they found-out two people had gunshot wounds. The helicopter request was later cancelled. Epps said they were not familiar with where the shooting range was located, because they have only been called to the main lodge when called to Rough Creek.
Epps said that Rough Creek staff were trying to save the two before they got to the scene. The staff already pulled-out emergency equipment that they owned.
It was noted in the morning session today that there was confusion as to within which county Rough Creek Lodge lies. Because of this, emergency contacts (such as EMTs, police, and rangers) bounced back-and-forth as to who should arrive at the scene. It is believed that this is why there was such a gap between the time when the bodies were found and when Epps said they got the call.
Epps was working on Chris Kyle; He hooked-up the Philips monitor to him, which has three stickers. One went onto the right side of his chest, on in the middle, and the last on the left. This monitor detects breathing, and Kyle had no pulse. Epps could see that Kyle had two gunshots to his torso, one on the right cheek of his face. Epps said there was blood in his hair and on his abdominals. He said that Matthew Green was working on Chad Littlefield.
Epps left the stand.
Matthew Green was called to the stand. Green is a paramedic firefighter and has worked as a Somervell firefighter for ten years, a paramedic for two.
Green worked on Littlefield on the platform at the scene. He detected that there was no pulse nor heartbeat. His paramedic partner confirmed this. Green said Littlefield's skin color was not normal and body temperature was cold. Green said Littlefield had a gunshot wound to the forehead, left arm, and upper abdominals. (One other gunshot location was said but was not noted.) Green added that it looked like Littlefield's brain and skull matter were lying next to him.
20 minutes after Alvarez showed-up to the range, Somervell County law enforcement arrived.
Routh was seen fiddling with a pen when they were showing the pictures of the bodies.
When Nabours called for help from staff, Alvarez was one of the two that showed-up.
The two people originally with Nabours when first approaching the scene were guests at Rough Creek Lodge. They are the ones who were asked to call 911 and return to the lodge.
Keith Martin is called to the stand. Martin is the deputy for Somervell County and has been working for the county for five years. Somervell paramedics arrived approximately 20 minutes after he did, which was around 5:35 p.m. Erath county public safety arrived around 6:00 p.m.
Renee Parrish was called to the stand. Parrish works for the Midlothian Police Department as a dispatcher. She has been employed there for three years. Parrish is the dispatcher who answered the call from Routh's sister and brother-in-law.
They are playing the 911 call in court now.
The sister claims that her brother came to their house telling her and her husband that he committed a murder. Parrish asked for them to come to the police station, and she said that they would.
Routh's sister sounds afraid and in panic on the phone during her 911 call.
Routh is looking down and writing notes while the dispatch call is playing.
Parrish released from the stand and excused as a witness. The judge asked Parrish not to talk about her testimony until the trial is over.
Chet Kelley is called to the stand. Kelley is a close friend of Chad Littlefield. Kelley and Littlefield went to high school together. Their wives are close friends as well.
Kelley's wife had called Littlefield's wife out of concern. Kelley tried to call Littlefield, but Routh answered the phone. He said, "This isn't Chad, this is Eddie." Kelley responded to Eddie on the phone and said, "I'm sorry Eddie, I must have the wrong number."
Kelley did know of Routh; his sister had babysat his children. He was not friends with Routh, nor did he have his phone number.
Kelley said he was excited to be able to get an answer from Littlefield when no one else had been able to, but then thought he had the wrong number when Routh answered.
DAY 2, FEBRUARY 12, 2015
Routh has walked into the courtroom. -9:02 a.m.
The jury is walking into the room. -9:10 a.m.
The first on the stand today is Texas Ranger Adcock. He will talk about the crime scenes.
They are now looking at maps of Rough Creek Lodge and roadways.
They are discussing that the shooting structure is four miles from the lodge and on a paved road.
Panoramic photos of the crime scene are being presented as evidence. They are graphic; weapons at the scene and bodies.
He became involved in the investigation after he received a call from his lieutenant. He arrived at Rough Creek Lodge in the evening, and the front gate was locked.
When he arrived to the scene, he said he saw two wounded males.
Adcock said he found many shell casings at the scene from differed caliber weapons. Photos from the crime scene are being brought to the stand. [The only gun fired at the practice targets that day was the .45 Kyle had just unloaded and the 9mm Sig Sauer handgun that Routh says he used to shot Littlefield and then Kyle; however, investigators say a .45 was used to shot Kyle and the 9mm Sig Sauer in Routh's possession at the time of his arrest was used to shot Littlefield.]
The Rough Creek Lodge pictures include weapons and the marked crime scene.
Some pictures were shown on the screen for all spectators to see, and some were only shown to the judge. [Why would only the judge not the jury see some of the pictures?]
Ranger says Kyle and Littlefield were both found with loaded pistols in their waistbands in locked position, safety on.
Although many guns and ammo remained, none were loaded. Chris Kyle had fired all bullets in his pistol.
Adcock brought to the stand a revolver found at the crime scene. He also brought 38 special shell cases. Other than collecting the shell cases, they were not used for analysis.
Routh is attentive and taking notes during the trial.
Adcock did an inventory of Kyle's truck last year in April. Based on investigation, he found important materials that are now brought-up to the stand.
The materials were found on the driver's door. Kyle had a black Ford, 4-door pickup.
What was found in the truck was Taco Bell receipts with a drive-thru purchase of 2 bean burritos at 6:50 p.m. on I-35, Red Oak Service Road.
When inventorying the truck, there were no weapons inside, no place to put a gun. Adcock says he doesn't remember seeing any "gun places." He would have to go back and look at his notes.
After two hours of testimony, Abcock has concluded.
F. Salazar from the City of Lancaster Police Department is brought-up to the stand next.
Salazar said he was patrolling the day of the crime. He has been patrolling for nine years. The crime scene was right up the road from his location. He heard about the crime via radio call. When he arrived to the scene, other officers were also pulling-up. His job was to hold the perimeter, and he had out a rifle. Salazar and other officers had a description of Kyle's missing truck, and they knew they were looking for a man.
According to Salazar, eventually the truck became disabled on I-35 North of I-20.
A copy of the video from Salazar's patrol car is brought to the stand.
Salazar was a U.S. Marine in Iraq when Chris Kyle was there.
The car chase that evening included 5 to 8 cop cars. All the Lancaster police cars involved were on I-35. It was a high chase at about 100 mph [lasting for about six minutes].
Officer F. Salazar placed stop-sticks underneath Routh's vehicle, but they didn't flatten his tires, due to them being placed too close to the tires.
Lieutenant Michael Smith is called to the stand by the prosecutor. He served on the department for twenty years. Smith got a call on Feb. 2, 2013, by a retired Detective Shavera, because he was concerned about his house and family. Detective Shavera lived right next door to Routh. [Shavera was not called to testify for some reason?]
Smith says that Shavera got a call from Routh's sister to check on Routh at his home. He and Smith checked Routh's home after he received the call. They knew that if Routh's dog was in the home, then Routh would be there. They saw the dog was still in the kennel out back, so they knew Routh wasn't home. Shavera and Smith were both off duty and went to the scene in unmarked vehicles.
Acording to Smith, the officers were at Routh's house when Routh arrived and pulled to the curb of his house. Smith and Shavera got out of their vehicles to speak with him.
Another officer, Logan, had a body camera on his lapel and has footage of that night.
Shavera was talking to Routh through the window of the truck while Smith was listening to their conversation. Smith said that Salazar and another officer were on their bellies, trying to place sticks to flatten his tires.
According to Logan's lapel-camera-footage, Shavera said to Routh, "Eddie! Eddie, turn it off [referring to the truck]. It's not worth it." Smith said Shavera was trying to get Routh to talk to them and trying to get Routh to roll the window down.
In the footage, Shavera said, "I don't want to hurt you, Eddie. We all grew-up together. Throw me the keys out here, and don't take off while they get down here. We are here, because we have to be. And we aren't going anywhere. As a friend and as a neighbor, you can always come to talk."
This is all information recorded from Logan's lapel camera.
In Logan's lapel camera footage, Routh asked, "Why can't you get in the truck with me?"
In the footage, Routh also asked, "Is this about me walking on Earth right now?" And Shavera replied, "I don't know what you mean." So, in the recording, Routh asked again, "Like, is this about me walking on Earth?"
Shavera was still trying to get Routh to leave the truck. Shavera said, "Remember what we talked about? Don't worry about what you can't control. Worry about what you can control."
Eddie Routh peering at officers trying to talk him out. He says he's having evil thoughts. Sgt tells him he can control evil thoughts.
Routh says "It happened so fast. I don't know if I'm going insane."
In the footage, Salazar and another officer are still trying to put sticks down.
Shavera then tried to call Routh's mom so that she could talk to him while he is still in the truck with the window rolled-up. Shavera put Routh's mom on the speaker to talk to Routh through the window.
Shavera told Routh's mom, "He will come out of the truck if you can come to him." But Routh's mom was in Abilene. Routh's mom told him that she would come see him if he would get out of the truck.
In the footage, Routh asked, "Do y'all have any guns?" And Shavera replied, "Yes, we do. It's our job. Routh said, "Well, I do too."
In the footage, Routh turned on the car after talking for a few more minutes. He then turned it back off and said, "I want to take a nap." Shavera replied, "How about you take a nap somewhere else?" Then, Smith said to Shavera that Shavera should tell Routh that he will get in the truck only if Routh rolls the window down and let's him look around before getting in the truck with him.
In the video, Shavera said, "Do me a favor, Eddie. Keep your hands up the way you've been doing so we can all relax."
Routh then turned the truck on again and took off down the street, 'peeling-out.'
Smith (still on the stand) said that he was in the second vehicle in the chase and wasn't sure what car Logan was in.
There were 5-8 cop cars in the chase. It is not specified what time the chase took place [it was around 8:30 pm].
The truck that Routh was in eventually stopped because it was disabled.
In the video, after the chase ended, Routh said to Shavera, "Everyone wants to barbeque by ass right now. I'm making the decision to stay in this truck, because my soul is on this side of the glass and so is my high."
Detective tells Routh they can walk and talk. Routh says "anarchy killing the world."
Routh's lawyer is asking Smith if these quotes by Routh in the video are correct:
"I don't know if I'm going insane."
"Is this about, like, Hell walking on Earth right now?"
"I don't even know what peace and law and order is about."
"Is the apocalypse on too?"
"I can't keep sitting here, watching these cats scurry by while they keep fucking walking, running around me."
"I can feel everyone feeding on my soul, and that was not good."
Smith replied that all of the quotes from Routh are accurate.
Smith said that yes, all of this was in the video between Routh and Shavera [but retired officer Shavera, who lived next door to Routh for years, was not called to testify].
Smith said, "I wasn't that concerned about what he was saying."
Smith said another quote from Routh, "I have taken some souls, and I have more to take," was accurate.
Smith said he knew Routh since he was a little boy, but didn't know him on a personal level.
Comment From Guest:
Did they do any drug testing on him? I haven't heard throughout this if they proved he was under the influence.
Texan News Service:
During the opening statements yesterday, the prosecution said that there were drug tests run, and those results showed that he used "wet marijuana and whiskey" the morning of the crime. [If this is true, then the prosecution lied because no tests were run and testimony during the trial proved Routh did not use wet marijuana.] The defense also said, "He may have smoked a little marijuana and had a little alcohol, but that was in the morning."
There has already been a motion made pre-trial to include "acts of misconduct" made by Routh, which includes previous arrest records. The request was approved by Judge Cashon. These motions were made Oct. 1, 2013.
Dr. Jeffery Barnard is called to the stand.
Barnard is from Dallas county as has been there since 1991. He received his M.D. from A&M.
He has been chief since 1991 as a medical examiner, but he started his career in 1981.
Barnard did the autopsies for both Littlefield and Kyle. He said he did the two autopsies on Feb. 3, 2013.
Barnard said that when he first saw the bodies, he took photographs.
Barnard said that x-rays were taken before they were undressed to be sure that bullets didn't fall out and could not be used as evidence.
Barnard is now looking at Chris Kyle's autopsy report and pictures, which Barnard said shows that Kyle was shot six times.
Barnard notes that Chris Kyle was 6'1" and 216 pounds.
He said that Kyle had tattoos on his upper left arm, which was a cross and eagle and another one of a frog skeleton on his upper back.
Barnard said that Kyle had one substance in his system, which was venlafaxine, an anti-depressant.
Kyle was shot six times. [The hunting guide who discovered the bodies said that Kyle's body was face down in the dirt just off the platform. Since his wounds were rapidly fatal, he would have been shot in the spot were his body went down. So he was off the platform and Routh must have been on the platform shooting down at him.]
Barnard says one shot entered Kyle's right side of his face, the jaw area, which Barnard believes caused injury to Kyle's back-side of his spinal cord.
Barnard said another shot was to the shoulder but never exited the body. What Barnard believes this shot killed Kyle. He said that bullet bounced around his whole body, from his right to left, hit his heart and arteries, and hit both lungs.
Barnard added that two more shots broke his right arm and exited the underside of his arm. Barnard said that one of the two bullets that exited his arm superficially penetrated his abdomen. He added that bullets one and two were rapid-ally, fatal injuries.
Barnard said that two more shots were also rapidly fatal wounds.
Prosecution is presenting new evidence, but have not shown it yet. Jury has been dismissed from the court until new evidence has been approved to be presented. The evidence that needed to be admitted was envelopes with bullets that had finger nails and hair on them.
Dr. Barnard is talking about Littlefield now. He is looking over a photograph and pointing out Littlefields tattoos: the face of Jesus on his right upper arm, the name "Morgan" on the right side of his upper arm, and a tattoo on his ankle that was not described.
They are now showing pictures from Littlefield's autopsy.
Littlefield was shot seven times. [The hunting guide who discovered the bodies said that Littlefield was on his back on the platform. One scenario is that he fell to his knees after the first shots were fired, leaning forward first, and then he must have fallen backward after he was shot again. Diagrams presented at trial showed that his knees were bent and his back was on the platform.]
One shot entered the left side of his face by the nose and under his eye and traveled down and exited by his left shoulder.
Another shot went through the neck and back of the head. [It seems logical that it entered from the back of the head and exited the neck.]
Another shot was through the right upper shoulder.
Another shot entered through the chest and exited the middle of the back.
Another shot was through the lower back and exited the right upper chest. [This doesn't makes sense: it is more logical that the shot entered on the right upper chest and exited the lower back.]
Another shot entered the front of his left palm and exited the back of his left hand. [When this shot exited the back of his left hand, could it have been the same shot that entered the chest or right upper shoulder?]
Another shot that penetrated Littlefield was on the top of his head.
Barnard said the neither Kyle nor Littlefield had a chance of survival.
NOTE: For more on the autopsy and bullet wounds, see Howard Ryan's testimony on Day 10 of the trial.
DAY 3, FEBRUARY 13, 2015
The jury is being brought in. 9:11 a.m.
The first witness to the stand is Sergeant Greg Stewart from the Erath County Sheriff's Office.
Sgt. Greg Stewart testifying about logging evidence.
The next items of evidence are the articles from Kyle's truck. All of these are sealed bags and aren't actually visible. All items of evidence so far have come from a Texas Ranger and were brought to court today by Stewart.
Stewart is excused from the stand and David Armstrong, a Texas Ranger, is on the stand. He has served as a ranger for three years and has a total of 12 years of law enforcement experience.
Armstrong, based out of Garland, was advised to be in route to Lancaster when he found out that Routh was heading to Lancaster in Kyle's truck.
Though the chase was over before he arrived, Armstrong was able to arrived to the scene where the chase ended.
Armstrong identified Routh as being the man at the scene.
Armstrong took pictures at the scene and secured the truck with evidence tape so it could be taken to the lab.
Armstrong was shown pictures of the scene and asked if that was accurate to what the scene looked like when Armstrong was there.
Armstrong observed two firearms in the truck when he first arrived on scene.
Armstrong is shown pictures of two guns found as evidence. He identified that they both were in Kyle's truck. The first gun shown was fond in the front pocket of the driver's side door. The second one was a rifle between the passenger seat and the center console. [Why did prosecutors say the .45-caliber handgun used to shot Kyle was found in the truck, when it was found at the crime scene?]
After towing Kyle's truck, they traveled to Lancaster Police Department and filed a search warrant for Routh's home.
As soon as the warrant was granted, they searched Routh's house. Armstrong is shown pictures and a floor plan from Routh's house (approx 1000 sq ft) to confirm that it was the same residence he visited.
Armstrong says the guest bedroom in Routh's home looked to be disturbed when they searched it.
Armstrong found drug paraphernalia at Routh's home: pipe, grinder, bong, and pot in guest room bedroom closet and desk.
An issue is being discussed with the judge to see if there has been evidence presented that is dismissible.
Pictures are being shown displaying the drug paraphernalia found in Routh's home.
The jury has been excused so the judge can accept evidence.
Female clothing was found in the master bedroom of Routh's home.
Pictures form inside Routh's home are being shown to the jury.
Pictures of a note found with Chris Kyle's name and telephone number were shown.
An assortment of firearm ammunition found in Routh's home in the guest bedroom is pictured.
Armstrong now shows the jury the evidence he is pulling out of the box. A cotton strand, a package of rolling papers (used for tobacco or marijuana), a grinder (typically used for tobacco or marijuana), another ceramic pipe with residue, and a bag full of what looks to be a drug of some sort.
Armstrong and three other Rangers were the first to search Routh's home.
Prescription medications with Routh's name on them were found on top of the refrigerator. One of them was an antipsychotic medication commonly used to treat schizophrenia.
Armstrong says he smelt marijuana in Routh's home.
Nash is clarifying with Armstrong the ammunition found in Routh's closet.
There were no guns found in Routh's home; they only found ammunition.
Defense challenges Ranger Armstrong over cause for search warrant.
Defense attorney Tim Moore is cross examining Armstrong about the accuracies of his report.
Ranger concedes no officers told him Routh smelled of liquor or marijuana when arrested.
Ranger Armstrong says Routh's anti-psychotic meds found.
Defense Atty Tim Moore says medicine, on fridge, primarily for schizophrenia.
James Watson, Routh's uncle, is the first called up to give testimony. Watson is from Cedar Hill and has been living in Alvarado since before the shooting.
Watson says that Routh has a sense of morality and believes in God. He says he taught Routh how to hunt as a young boy and that he is a "good shot" and knows how to handle guns well.
Routh was in the Marines for four years. When in Iraq, he was an "armer."
"He lost the desire for life" after returning from Iraq, Watson said.
Routh went to Haiti after Iraq and Watson states that he was more depressed after returning from Haiti.
Watson says Routh lived with his girlfriend, Jen, in Watson's house. Then he moved in with his mother prior to the shooting.
Routh drove a Volkswagon Beetle that was painted as a lady bug after he got rid of his truck.
The last time Watson saw Routh before the day of the shooting was Christmas Eve 2012. Watson says that Routh was not acting unusually.
Watson went to Routh's home in Lancaster the morning of the shooting. He was called there because Routh and his girlfriend had an argument and he wanted to calm him down.
Watson arrived at Routh's house at 8 a.m. Routh was alone in the house and was acting normally. They discussed the argument between Routh and his girlfriend, then drank some coffee.
Nelson asks if they drank any whiskey and Watson replies, "I don't remember, but that doesn't mean I didn't."
Starnes is an assistant Texas attorney general helping the Erath County District Attorney Alan Nash.
Starnes asks Watson if they smoked marijuana that morning and he confirms that they did.
Starnes takes out the pipe they smoked from that morning and asks Watson to smell it and confirm that it smells like marijuana. Watson says they smoked one bowl that morning.
Starnes asks, "Would you know good weed when you get it?" Watson replies that he would and that the weed they smoked that morning was good and their high lasted two to three hours.
Starnes said that the originally story was that they smoked two to three bowls, not just one.
Someone drove up to the house and Routh went outside, leaving Watson inside. Routh left.
Eddie and Watson were sitting on his back porch when Chris Kyle walked up the gravel driveway. Eddie took off with Kyle without saying anything.
"I heard someone introduce them self and said you must be Eddie." - Watson's recollection of Kyle picking up Eddie to bring him to gun range
Watson knew Routh was going with Chris Kyle to a gun range from a conversation earlier that morning. Watson didn't really know who Kyle was, though. [This is somewhat contradicted by other testimony.]
Watson was concerned about where Routh was when he left and said it was very abrupt. Watson called Routh's girlfriend to confirm he had left with Kyle, and then he returned to his home and took a nap. [Routh's girlfriend later testified that the uncle called to ask where Eddie went, and she didn't know; she called Kyle because his number was on the refrigerator.]
Watson states the he has a seizure disorder and suffers from anxiety and depression himself.
Watson said Routh was driving a new Ford pickup truck later that day and that Routh said he was "driving a dead man's truck." He says he thought he was talking about himself. "He thought people were out to get him."
This was not shocking to Watson because it was usual for Routh to make strange comments. Watson says he thought Routh was talking about himself.
Routh's uncle says Eddie said odd things after Marine service." Bizarre things. Seemed depressed.
Routh said he felt like he was being chased and Watson began to question him about that.
Routh didn't say much more to Watson besides showing him the glock pistol he had.
Watson did not ask Routh where he had gotten the truck or the gun.
When Routh arrived at Watson's house in the truck the front door was open. Watson says that he does not believe anything Routh did or said was odd. He says that Routh has a different manner of speaking saying, "He's plain spoken... He tells it how it is."
Watson says Routh was very frustrated after leaving the marines. He couldn't find a good job, never had a place of his own, fought a lot with his girlfriend, and didn't feel appreciated in general.
Watson is on probation out of Johnson county for assault on a public servant (an ambulance technician). Watson states that he is sober and confirms that he is here because he was subpoenaed, and that is the only reason.
The day of the shooting, Watson lied to officers the first time when asked if they were under the influence of marijuana. The second time they asked he admitted to it.
The defense has begun questioning Watson.
Watson recaps that Routh was very depressed after the marines and had no desire for life. Tim Moore, Routh's attorney, is talking about Routh's time in the VA hospital and the medication Routh was on.
Moore asks Watson if there is anything he wants to clear up from his first story to the law enforcement officials. Watson replies that he did not.
Moore asks about the marijuana that Routh and Watson smoked that morning. Moore believes the weed could have been laced, but Watson said that it was not.
Moore asks what Watson and Routh do when they are high and Watson replied, "We just sit around and enjoy it."
Moore stands and heads to the table with evidence on it. He takes out the tin box that Starnes had previously that holds the pipe Routh and Watson used that morning.
He continues to ask question about weed, the timing of when they smoked it, and the number of bowls they smoked.
Moore is holding up pictures of Routh's house and questions Watson about where they smoked and talked that morning. Watson states that they were in the kitchen and on the back porch.
Watson says it was between 10 a.m. and noon when Routh left. They were sitting on the porch when they heard a vehicle pull up. Routh walked out and that was the last time he saw him before the shooting. [It was actually 1:07 pm when Routh left with Kyle.]
Watson says Routh showed up at his house that afternoon around 5:00 p.m. to show him the truck and did not stay very long.
Starnes and Moore ask to approach the bench and proceed to walk up. They are discussing something with the microphone turned away from the conversation.
Watson tells Starnes that Routh can be an angry drunk, but while he is high he is relaxed an happy. Watson states to Moore that Routh was not drunk that morning.
James Jeffress is now taking the stand. He is a forensic scientist from Garland.
Jeffress works at the Garland DPS Lab. He collected evidence for this case. Chris Kyle's truck came to his lab. They documented the exterior and interior of the truck.
Pictures were taken of the truck and the truck was marked with adhesive seals for evidential purposes.
Two guns were found in the truck when Jeffress went through it.
Alan Nash is presenting the evidence (the guns) from Kyle's truck and questioning Jeffress about the guns.
Nash is presenting pictures of the guns that Jeffress had tested. Every firearm that was collected from the truck has been tested.
Jeffress collected the shell casings from the scene and tested them for connections to the guns that were collected.
More than nine guns were found on the scene. The bullets found in Chris Kyle match a firearm that was on the scene.
Nash and Jeffress are discussing the evidence (bullets) from Chad Littlefield's autopsy.
It is confirmed that the gun that was used to shoot Kyle was not the same gun used to shoot Littlefield.
Littlefield was shot with a 9 mm and Kyle was shot with a .45.
Six shell casings were found from the .45 that Kyle was shot with.
Nash and Jeffress continue to discuss locations of guns and shell casings.
Jeffress has been dismissed.
Officer Gene Cole is now on the stand. He is an officer for Belton and has been for a year. Prior to working in Belton he worked for Erath Count Sheriff's Department for a year. He was a patrol deputy in Erath.
Cole was called in for assistance while the other officers were performing a "range of motion" on Routh in June 2013.
On June 22, 2013, Cole spent 20-30 minutes with Routh. He did not converse with him at all.
He was standing by when Routh said, "I shot them because they wouldn't talk to me. They wouldn't talk to me on the way to the range... I feel bad about it, but they wouldn't talk to me."
The next witness has too long of a testimony to continue today, so the court will be released early today and resume at 8:30 a.m.
DAY 4, FEBRUARY 16, 2015
The attorneys approach the judge to decide if there should be a hearing outside the presence of the jury. The judge decides that there should not, so the jury enters the courtroom. He has asked for all to be seated, and the jury is now in place.
The state calls Sergeant Kenny Phillips to the witness stand. He works at the jail on day shifts, and for transports. Phillips has worked there for thirteen years. As a Sergeant, he has over 7 employees on his shift. They take care of prisoners and everyone's safety. He was involved in transporting Routh in 2013.
He says he arrived at Lancaster PD and picked up Routh around 2 or 3 am on Feb. 3, 2013.
He received an assignment to pick up a man and transport him from Lancaster. He took an unmarked Crown V. They discussed how to transport him. He identifies Mr. Routh (the defendant) as the man he transported.
Phillips said he cuffed Routh himself but did not question him. Routh stayed in handcuffs when Phillips put him in his car for transport. The Lancaster PD cleared the area and Phillips says they drove about an hour and fifteen minutes back to Erath County. He said Routh was irritated with him for not letting him have a cigarette. He says he didn't argue with Routh because he didn't see a point in it.
Phillips said they "changed him out" (Routh) and kept his clothes as evidence.
Phillips has identified the presented evidence as Routh's boots that Phillips collected from him that day.
Phillips says the defendant is not housed with any other inmates. Phillips says his first impression of Routh in February 2013 was "under the influence". He adds his difference and change in the days to come in the jail were very different. He used the word "detox". [This is purely his opinion: the DA and the officer who interrogated Routh on the night of the murders decided not to do a blood test to determine the level, if any, of alcohol or drugs in Routh.]
Phillips says he recognizes the scenes in pictures given to him by the prosecutor. They are pictures of Routh's boots, which he concludes are the same ones in court today.
After being asked by the prosecutor, Phillips says that he did not have any idea who Routh was prior to meeting him in this situation.
They are discussing the medications (no names mentioned) that Routh is taking while in the jail.
Texas Ranger Ronald Eugene Pettigrew was called to the stand. He has worked as a soldier in the Army, in Highway Patrol, in Narcotics, and is currently a Texas Ranger stationed in Decatur.
He (Pettigrew) said that they decided who was taking what assignment, and he agreed to help secure the truck in a lab to be inspected. They put it in an auto bay and secured it, taped up and locked in a garage.
They secured it on the night of the 2nd and returned it on the 4th to help review the truck. He assisted in observing the investigation.
He located one cell phone in the center console. He collected it and took it to be secured at a location in Irving. He did not turn the phone on so that the professionals could properly keep all of the information on the cell phone that could possibly be used for evidence. He did not know who it belonged to.
When questioned by the prosecutor, Pettigrew agrees that he believes the phone to be one from the scene of the murders. He also says, when questioned, that a wallet was also found in the truck.
Pettigrew is given a piece of evidence that he claims he obtained from the truck at 1:07 p.m. on Feb. 4th. He is shown pictures by the prosecution that he says were correct depictions of how the evidence was found on that day.
He delivered the items gathered from the autopsies of Kyle and Littlefield to the lab.
Pettigrew is asked to describe his previous job experience with narcotics. He says he was involved in that area for 13 years. His specialty was methamphetamine labs. [Why is he being questioned about narcotics and meth when it has nothing to do with his part of the investigation and there is no evidence of meth or 'wet' marijuana?]
He is questioned and concludes that he is fluent in the drug-slang and lingo used. He is asked what "wet" marijuana is. Pettigrew says that it usually refers to marijuana dipped in formaldehyde. He is also asked to explain "Purple Hearts," which he says is used when referring to certain special types of XTC marijuana. He says that "Purple Hearts" are usually reported to be stronger and more potent than typical marijuana. It is a type of purple cannabis and sells for higher prices. [This testimony of purple cannabis is misleading and irrelevant.]
The defense is now asking Phillips what his education involves. He says he has never been to college, does not have a degree, and has never attended chemistry classes. He says he is not a Chemist. He adds that he had to learn chemistry to know about meth for his previous job.
Texas Ranger Michael Dawn Stoner is called to the stand.
He covers primarily Johnson and Somervell counties. He has served in Highway Patrol, Narcotics, and is now a Ranger.
He assisted in the investigation and evidence handling of the murders of Kyle and Littlefield.
At the scene, he took pictures, crime scene video, and partook in crime scene investigation.
He was involved in transporting the boots earlier identified as Routh's.
He transported them from Erath County to Glen Rose, then to the crime lab the next day. He steps down from the stand.
NOTE: Routh has been very persistent in his note taking and so far has only taken a break from taking notes during his uncle's testimony. I have personally taken multiple looks at his yellow legal pads from a short distance and they appear to me to be notes. - Travis M. Smith, Texan News Service
Special Agent Jeff Shaffer has been called to the stand. He was previously employed by the secret service to investigate digital forensics.
Shaffer confirms that the cell phone found in Kyle's truck belonged to Chad and the phone found at the gun range belonged to Kyle. He has also confirmed the phone numbers of each phone.
Routh's voicemail messages to Kyle: on Jan. 26, 2013, Routh left a 20 second voicemail on Kyle's phone and 3 on Jan. 28: 6 second, 20 second, & 12 second.
"Hey Chris this is Eddie Ray Routh...give me a call back."
"Hey brother....give me a shout, talk to you later. Bye."
"Hey man, I was just going to call you, talk to you...It's a rainy day today, kind of sad."
All from Routh to Kyle.
There are multiple calls on Kyle's phone to and from Routh, some that were missed, on various days including Feb. 2, 2013.
A phone number belonging to Jenn Weed is confirmed by Special Agent Shaffer and called Kyle twice on Feb. 2, 2013. She tried to call Kyle at 1:37 [Kyle responded to her call] and 6:14 days of murders.
There was a missed call on Feb. 2, 2013 at 6:06pm from Jodi Routh on Kyle's phone.
Shaffer recognizes a phone call from Chet Kelley (friend of Littlefield) on the evening of Feb. 2, 2013 that was 34 seconds long.
Texas Ranger Danny Briley, who conducted the interrogation of Routh on the day of the murders, has been called to the stand. Briley specializes in the investigation and preservation of crime scenes.
Briley looked for evidence of struggle by the victims at the crime scene. He said "there was no question this was a brutal killing," and that they were looking for someone "violent." He also stated that the gunshot wounds were evidence of the killer's violence.
He believed it to be an intentional killing and not accidental. "You can't 'accidentally' shoot someone that many times."
Briley confirms to Nash and the jury that they were probably looking for an expert marksman and that the crime scene supported the idea that the killer was skilled with firearms.
Briley analyzed position of Kyle and Littlefield's bodies at the crime scene. Had to analyze the shell casings, which is tough at gun range.
During Briley's investigation of the crime scene, Routh's sister phoned 911 and gave law enforcement the confirmation they needed as to who the killer was.
Briley was able to confirm one of the bodies at the gun range to be Littlefield by the description of the tattoos given to him.
Texas Ranger Danny Briley still on stand after break. They are outlining the possible route Routh took after the murders.
Rough Creek Lodge is approximately five miles from Highway 67, and it is 3.7 miles from the gun range to the entrance of Rouch Creek Lodge.
Briley said that is is 55.7 miles from the entrance of Rough Creek Lodge to James Watson's (Routh's uncle) home.
Total drive distance is approximately 105 miles from the gun range to Routh's home in Lancaster according to Briley.
DAY 5, FEBRUARY 17, 2015
Courtroom is 100 percent full and family members of Littlefield, Kyle, and Routh are all present.
Nash is asking Briley about his training in dealing with immediate interviews/interrogations of possible criminals or witnesses.
Briley says that he has had the responsibility of questioning several possible murder suspects. They frequently lie about their actions and will not answer or attempt to change the subject, he says.
When Briley arrived to the Lancaster Police Department, Routh was brought in for Briley to begin questioning.
He arrived in the evening on Feb. 2, 2013. The interview was one-on-one between Briley and Routh.
Briley said to Routh on that day, "Hey I know you've had a tough day. I'd like to talk to you."
Showing compassion is a technique used to get answers out of suspects, Briley said. Routh agreed to speak with Briley.
Briley said there were multiple times that Routh would begin to "block" answers. Routh would realize that he needed to hide an answer when asked about drug usage that day, who was shot first, or what happened.
There were times that Briley would get bizarre answers from Routh. "I noted that he responded in a very philosophical manner at times," Briley said.
Routh would also use military terms at times that Briley was aware of. There were also times that he would say thing that Briley "would have no idea what he was talking about."
There were times that his answers were completely illogical. Briley gave the example that, "He starts comparing pig shit to bull shit, and we weren't talking about anything that had to do with that."
When he pinned Routh down on questions, it was clear that Routh knew what he had done was wrong, Briley said.
"Did the defendant confess to killing Chad Littlefield and Chris Kyle?" Alan Nash asked.
Briley responded, "Yes he did."
Playing taped confession. Audio is difficult to understand. Routh appears tired. Speaks slowly.
After Briley read Routh his Miranda rights, Routh said, "It was so sad how it had to happen. Isn't there counselors to talk to people about this kind of stuff? People have to be held accountable."
Briley "I know today has been difficult what you went through. I want to talk about what happened"
Routh: I've been having a pretty rough time of it.
"Nobody wants to admit they are right. Nobody wants to admit they are wrong." - Routh
Routh begins to bring up Chris Kyle and then pivots in a bizarre direction about bullshit.
Routh refers to Chris Kyle as The Wolff, "you know, the one in the sky," he said.
Routh is talking about being raised in Lancaster, how he graduated high school, and saying that he was a prison guard (which he was not) in the military.
Routh said the "first time I ever met either one of them was yesterday. They came and got me at my house and they took me to the country out there. We went and did some shooting sports, ya know... You know."
"I was reasonable and fair with the boys... You know."
"I try and be as reasonable as I can every day. I'm pretty damn fair."
"I just with this world wasn't such a soulless place. Just seems like there isn't a soul for the soup anymore," Routh said.
Routh continually changes the subject or stops talking every time Briley gets close to saying that the two were murdered.
"The warlords aren't very happy with me; everybody knows that. Everybody in town," Routh said.
Routh: you can't let people keep eating your soul, you know? Warlords aren't happy with me.
Says he hasn't slept in days. Running on adrenaline. "I've been running on pure adrenalin for a few days."
"So sad how it had to happen, you know?"
"I can't just give you up my soul up for free." - when Briley asked Routh what he did to Kyle and Littlefield
"That's gotta be a common ground, so we can all get better."
"I told her [his sister] I killed men today. It wasn't a want; it was a need. I had to get out of that situation or I was going to be the next one to get my head shot," Routh said.
Briley asked, "How many did you have to kill today?"
Routh responds, "Two."
Routh confirms that he used a pistol to kill both. He also confirms that a 9 mm was used to kill one of them.
Routh said their (Kyle and Littlefield) training wasn't as good and that his has been better.
He said he shot the "one that he couldn't identify" (Chad) first.
"Nobody wanted to talk to me about what was right. Everybody wants me to live for free on these farms and just shoot for a living." Routh
"I knew if I didn't take his soul, he was gonna take mine next. I'm just tired of playing chess with my life."
He stands, stares, yawns, shuffles around tiny room. Says he told sister, "I had to kill men today."
Routh: It wasn't a want to. I had to get out of that situation."
"I was going to be the next one out there getting my head shot."
How were they helping you today, the men you killed? "They talked to me pretty shitty." Ranger testifies that he was angry with them.
Ranger Briley goes through interview transcript. Says Routh knew the time of the shooting about 3 pm.
What did do you do after you killed them? Routh says, I fled. The keys were already in the truck.
"I've had so many abandonment and trust issues here," Routh said.
Routh said that being in the police station is the first time that he has felt safe in two days.
Routh is asked what "these men, these heroes, told you today?"
"They told me stuff about their life experiences, but I've already seen this stuff across the pond," Routh said.
"I loaded up a .45 and shot it," Routh said when asked if he shot anything at the range that day.
"I never shot any of the targets though." [Did Routh shot a .45 at the practice targets or not?]
When asked if he shot anything else, he starred straight ahead and went silent.
"Was the gun (the .45) used to shoot anyone today?" Briley asks.
Routh stares at the table in silence then answers, "The revolver? No."
Briley: "Was the other guy named Chad?"
Routh: "Yeah"
Briley: "Where did you shoot him?"
Routh: "Is there any way I can see my parents yet? I'd like to see them and at least hug my mom one last time, you know?"
Is there anything you'd like to say to the families? "I'm just sorry for what I've done, once the word gets out."
Briley: "You want to do that because you know what you did was wrong today, right?"
Routh: "Yep."
Briley asked Routh if there was anything he would like to say to the families and he said, "Yeah, I'm just sorry for what I've done and that we can work this out."
Briley leaves the interrogation room.
"I want to go to jail for this," Routh said to someone off screen.
Briley has returned and told Routh that his family will see him tomorrow and that he has some things he wants to clarify.
"What did they do after you shot them?" Briley asked. Routh replied, "They laid there and they weren't breathing anymore."
Routh tells Briley that the clothes he is wearing at that time are the clothes he was wearing at the gun range.
When asked if he has ever used meth, Routh says drugs are what's getting us into this war.
Routh says he did not use meth.
Was there a drug bong in some of your stuff? "Uhhh...tobacco"
He asks about the bong again. "There may have been some pot"
Have you used today? Yes sir, I've been trying to relax. It has been helping me. Asks to see mother.
Briley asked what his was laced with and Routh said, "Could have been anything, probably something wet."
Says he smoked a little bit of pot that might have been laced with something.
Briley asks what Routh's weed was laced with; "Was it formaldehyde?" Routh says it could have been.
"You can't always trust the weed in Texas. It's always laced up with drugs," Routh said.
Anything to say to families? "I'm sorry for what I've done. We can work this out." Asks to see mom again.
Briley asked, "You know what you did today was wrong; do you understand that?"
Routh said, "Yes, sir."
"What do you think should happen?" Briley asked.
Routh was silent.
Briley leaves the room briefly and reenters.
Briley back in the room asking Routh to clarify the murder weapons.
You talked to your sister and told her what you did. Did you ask your sister if she wanted to see the guns? "Yeah I did."
You had started to me that you would like to say you are sorry to the families. What would you say to them? "Id them I'm so sorry"
"I'd tell them I'm so sorry for what I've done. I would do it differently"
Can you think of anything else you would say? "No"
"What are you going to tell your mom?" Briley asks.
"That I love her?"
"Do you wish this would have never happened? Seem like you want to cry about it," Briley said.
"I do a little," Routh said.
"You notice any blood on your boots?" Briley asks.
Routh bends over and looks down, "A little bit."
Briley tells Routh to have a seat and he'll have someone come over and get him.
He is heard asking to "smoke a cig or something" on camera as the tape continues.
Routh asks someone off screen, "Does anyone even smoke anymore? It's a terrible habit, I know."
Taya Kyle left the courtroom before the video began [yet she sat through the crime scene photos].
Routh asks multiple times if someone off screen can loosen or take of his handcuffs. He gets up and walks around the room and switches chairs.
The interview lasted approximately 35 minutes. The tape is still being played. Routh is alone in the room.
"I'd say fuck y'all. Y'all can eat my shit and die. Eat shit and die. When pigs fly, you'll eat shit and die," Routh said to someone off screen
Routh leaves the room with an officer.
The video of the questioning was approximately 1 hour and 31 minutes in length.
The court has returned from recess and Texas Ranger Danny Briley is still on the stand currently being questioned by prosecutor Alan Nash.
Prior to the video Briley had not talked to Routh and no promises or threats were made to Routh for a statement.
The third voice that came from off camera was identified as Officer Logan of the Lancaster Police Department.
