Deadliest sniper in US history killed on Texas shooting range

According to reports, Chris Kyle has been shot dead on a Texas shooting range in an apparent murder at the hands of a fellow war veteran.

18:28 16 September 2014

Iraq veteran and ex-US Navy seal Chris Kyle, who is considered the deadliest sniper in the US history, has reportedly been shot dead on a Texas shooting range.

His body was found at Rough Creek Lodge on Saturday along with that of his neighbour, Chad Littefield.

25-year-old Iraq war veteran Eddie Ray Routh, has been charged with murdering both.

Local media reported that the gunman opened fire at about 15:30 local time on Saturday and escaped the scene using a pick-up truck that belongs to one of the victims. Erath County Sheriff Tommy Bryant said that the suspect went to his sister’s home and told her about the incident.

His sister then called the police leading to the arrest of Routh in Lancaster, Texas.

Travis Cox, director of a non-profit-making organisation, said that Mr Routh was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and that Mr Kyle and Mr Littlefield were trying to help him.

Scott McEwen, who co-authored the book with Kyle, said: "It just comes as a shock and it's staggering to think that after all Chris has been through, that this is how he meets his end, because there are so many ways he could have been killed."