Potential jurors questioned in case of real "American Sniper," Chris Kyle
STEPHENVILLE, Texas -- Day one of jury selection is underway in the murder trial surrounding the real "American Sniper," Chris Kyle.
Iraq war veteran Eddie Ray Routh is charged with killing Kyle, the NAVY Seal upon whose life and book the Academy Award-nominated film is based.
Out of 200 potential jurors summoned to the courthouse in Stephenville, Texas Thursday morning, only 84 arrived. And from that group, 15 people were sent home early because they either did not qualify to be on the jury or had a legitimate reason for being excused, CBS DFW reported.
The process of selecting a jury is expected to last for several days, as 800 candidates walk through the doors of the Erath County Courthouse about 70 miles from Fort Worth.
Routh was in the courtroom on Thursday, clean cut and wearing a suit and glasses. He allegedly shot and killed Kyle, 38, and neighbor Chad Littlefield, 35, to death with a semi-automatic handgun on Feb. 2, 2013, at a gun range at the Rough Creek Lodge.
"I don't know if there is ever a trial I want to sit on," excused juror Lucas Burch told the station. "It's interesting and something we follow in the news. I can't say I would want to be part of it."
"I'd like to hear the whole story and see if he's innocent or not," added excused juror Mark Marett.
The judge asked prospective jurors Thursday whether they have read Kyle's book, "American Sniper," or seen the movie that is playing in theaters now. Routh's attorneys wanted to delay the trial because of the film's release, and the fact that Monday was declared "Chris Kyle Day" in Texas.
That last-minute plea to delay was denied.
Once the jury has been selected, the panel will be under orders not to discuss the case.
The trial is expected to last about two weeks. It could begin as early as Wednesday.
If the jury finds Routh guilty of the murders, prosecutors will be asking for life without parole. Routh's team of lawyers plan to use an insanity defense.
Routh, 27, has been described by family as a troubled veteran who was hospitalized for mental illnesses, including post-traumatic stress disorder.
According to CBS affiliate KWTX, an arrest warrant affidavit says Routh told a relative that he "traded his soul for a new truck."
Authorities said he was driving Kyle's pickup when he was arrested.
Routh is charged with one count of capital murder and two counts of murder. His attorney, J. Warren St. John, has said Routh will plead not guilty by reason of insanity. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.
Routh's attorney, J. Warren St. John, has said that his client will plead not guilty by reason of insanity. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.
The "American Sniper" film is nominated for six Academy awards and has engendered a firestorm of controversy in political and Hollywood circles since its release.