Jury Selection Begins In Chris Kyle Murder Trial
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STEPHENVILLE (CBSDFW.COM) - Jury selection began on Thursday in the Chris Kyle murder trial. Eddie Routh has been accused of shooting and killing the former Navy sniper and his friend, Chad Littlefield, at a gun range in Erath County two years ago.
Kyle and Littlefield were reportedly helping Routh cope with posttraumatic stress disorder.
Just the process of selecting a jury is expected to last for several days, as 800 potential jurors walk through the doors of the Erath County Courthouse in Stephenville. The first group of people arrived Thursday morning with more scheduled for the afternoon.
Routh was also present in the courtroom on Thursday, clean cut and wearing a suit and glasses.
Out of 200 potential jurors summoned to the courthouse on 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.
"I don't know if there is ever a trial I want to sit on," said excused juror Lucas Burch. "It's interesting and something we follow in the news. I can't say I would want to be part of it."
The judge questioned the remaining people about the case, including whether or not they have read Kyle's book or seen the "American Sniper" 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.
The "American Sniper" movie is based on Kyle's book of the same name. It has broken records at the box office and has even been nominated for Best Picture at this year's Academy Awards. The movie stars Bradley Cooper as Kyle, and was directed by Clint Eastwood.
That last-minute plea to push back the trial was denied.
Once the jury has been selected, the trial is expected to last for about two weeks. It could begin as early as Wednesday.
"I'd like to hear the whole story and see if he's innocent or not," added excused juror Mark Marett.
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.
The trial is getting a lot of national attention, and security around the courthouse will be very tight. Officials are getting prepared to deal with possible protesters. Erath County is set to spend around $1 million on increased security. Several roads near the courthouse are going to be closed to traffic during the trial.
