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Author Topic: Chris Kyle (38) Decorated Navy Seal - Author, Killed at Shooting Range in Texas  (Read 47623 times)
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« Reply #40 on: July 08, 2014, 08:17:07 PM »

Jesse Ventura is after $$$ imo.   


http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/jury-selection-begin-american-sniper-suit-24462028
Jury Begins Hearing Ventura's Defamation Case
July 8, 2014

Jesse Ventura brought his defamation lawsuit before home-state jurors Tuesday in a bid to punish the estate of late "American Sniper" author Chris Kyle, who bragged in an autobiography that he knocked the former Minnesota governor out during a barroom scrap almost a decade ago.

In opening statements in federal court, Ventura attorney David Olsen said the punch never happened and that Ventura never made disparaging comments about servicemen, as Kyle claimed.

"Jesse Ventura will testify there was no incident, there was no altercation, and that Kyle made the whole story up," Olsen said.

Kyle estate attorney John Borger countered that the jury would get the real story from Kyle via testimony videotaped before his death.

"You will hear Chris Kyle testify he was absolutely sure that what he wrote about Jesse Ventura's behavior was true," Borger said. Both sides said they would produce witnesses to back their version of events.

A four-woman, six-man jury was seated quickly to hear Ventura's case, which he pursued even after Kyle was killed last year at a Texas gun range, saying it was important to clear his name.

Ventura, a former Navy SEAL and wrestler who was Minnesota governor from 1999-2003, alleges Kyle defamed him in his best-selling book.

In it, Kyle — also a former SEAL and regarded as the deadliest sniper in U.S. military history — describes a 2006 bar fight in California in which he said he punched a man, later identified as Ventura, knocking him to the ground. Kyle claimed that Ventura was speaking loudly against President George W. Bush, the Iraq War and Navy SEAL tactics. Kyle claimed Ventura said the SEALS "deserve to lose a few."

Ventura, who has hosted several cable TV shows since his single term as Minnesota's governor ended in 2002, has said his job offers dried up after the book was published and he was worried about being seen as a traitor to the military.

Kyle's widow, Taya Kyle, is now the defendant in Ventura's case. Ventura and Taya Kyle are both expected to testify.

 

Legal experts have said Ventura has to prove that Kyle made up the story and profited from it, and that Ventura's reputation was hurt as a result.

Ventura said earlier this year that his lawsuit is "about clearing my name," but significant money is at stake. Kyle's book has made more than $3 million in royalties and the judge in the case has ruled that profits from an upcoming movie could be subject to damages, too.
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« Reply #41 on: July 10, 2014, 08:41:22 AM »

Jesse Ventura looking for the bucks imo


http://www.myfoxdfw.com/story/25984840/slain-author-says-venturas-name-deleted-from-book
Slain author says Ventura's name deleted from book
July 10, 2014

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« Reply #42 on: July 14, 2014, 10:01:08 AM »

http://www.myfoxdfw.com/story/26010510/ventura-no-bar-fight-with-american-sniper-kyle
Ventura: No bar fight with 'American Sniper' Kyle

July 14, 2014



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« Reply #43 on: July 14, 2014, 10:04:31 AM »

An interesting op piece....
http://www.minnpost.com/politics-policy/2014/07/walk-away-scruff-face-open-letter-jesse-ventura?utm_source=MinnPost-RSS&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+minnpost-region+(MinnPost+-+MinnPost.com%3A+Region)
Walk away, Scruff Face: An open letter to Jesse Ventura
By Jim Walsh
July 14, 2014

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« Reply #44 on: July 14, 2014, 12:22:52 PM »

Just my opinion, but Jesse Ventura taking a dead Navy Seal and his widow to court over this won't exactly endear him to the Navy Seals. If they treated him as an outcast before, I doubt he would be welcomed with open arms even if the trial goes his way.   I don't see how him taking this issue to trial will exonerate him one bit.  He's suing for $$$.  If somehow he goes for a settlement, I hope any money that might be taken from the Kyle's will be made up by donations.  JMHO

http://www.seattlepi.com/news/texas/article/Ventura-American-Sniper-made-him-SEAL-castout-5620258.php
Ventura: 'American Sniper' made him SEAL castout
July 14, 2014

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura says he no longer feels welcome at Navy SEALs reunions since publication of a book that accused him of making disparaging remarks about the special operations force.

Ventura is suing the estate of "American Sniper" author Chris Kyle, who was a Navy SEAL. The book includes an anecdote in which Kyle says he punched Ventura at a California bar in 2006.

Kyle says the punch came after Ventura went on a political tirade and said the SEALs "deserve to lose a few."
 
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« Reply #45 on: July 14, 2014, 12:31:51 PM »

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/14/jesse-ventura-chris-kyle_n_5583974.html?utm_hp_ref=politics
Jesse Ventura To Resume Testifying In Defamation Trial
July 14, 2014

 
At the heart of Ventura's federal defamation lawsuit is whether he and Kyle tussled outside the bar.

In the book, Kyle described punching a celebrity he identified as "Scruff Face," who he said made disparaging remarks about SEALs. He identified "Scruff Face" as Ventura during interviews supporting the book's release.

Kyle, who was killed in 2013 at a Texas shooting range by a troubled Iraq war veteran, said in a videotaped deposition played for jurors last week he punched Ventura that night, describing the former governor as loud and belligerent.

On Friday, Ventura testified he had no recollection of Kyle. Ventura also said he quit drinking in 2002 due to blood thinning medication that makes him bleed and bruise easily.

Ventura, a former member of the Naval Special Forces Underwater Demolition/SEAL teams, sued Kyle in 2012, contending the incident never happened and the account hurt Ventura financially.

After Chris Kyle's death, Ventura named his wife, Taya Kyle, as defendant in the lawsuit as the overseer of his estate. "American Sniper" has generated more than $2.5 million in royalties split between Kyle, his agent and co-authors.

Ventura, a former professional wrestler and actor who was Minnesota's governor from 1999 to 2003, has not specified a damages amount in his lawsuit.

The jury is being asked to determine if Kyle's statements were false and, because Ventura is a public figure, whether Kyle made them with actual malice.

The trial began Tuesday and is expected to take about three weeks. (Reporting by David Bailey; Editing by Doina Chiacu)
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« Reply #46 on: July 14, 2014, 12:39:29 PM »

I've read the trial is expected to last three weeks.  I wonder what will come out?  I think some of it won't be very flattering to Jesse Venture.  JMHO

http://**/ci_21428278/jesse-ventura-lawsuit-navy-seal-says-he-decked
SEALs back comrade's claim that he punched out Jesse Ventura
By David Hanners
POSTED:   08/29/2012 12:01:00 AM CDT | UPDATED:   ABOUT A YEAR AGO

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« Reply #47 on: July 14, 2014, 08:35:52 PM »

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Latest-News-Wires/2014/0714/Jesse-Ventura-sues-SEAL-sniper-for-bringing-his-career-to-a-screeching-halt
Jesse Ventura sues SEAL sniper for bringing his career 'to a screeching halt'
Jesse Ventura, a former Navy SEAL who turned pro wrestler who turned governor of Minnesota, is suing a fellow SEAL alum for defamation over an alleged bar fight.
July 14, 2014

 
Laura deShazo, a witness called by the defense, testified a fight took place at a wake in a bar for a SEAL and she saw the former governor get hit in a scuffle, but she did not identify who struck Ventura.

"I saw Mr. Ventura get hit," she said.

Kyle, killed in 2013 at a Texas shooting range by a troubled Iraq war veteran, said in a videotaped deposition played for jurors he punched Ventura, describing him as loud and belligerent.

On Friday, Ventura testified he had no recollection of Kyle.

Ventura, a former member of the Naval Special Forces Underwater Demolition/SEAL teams, sued Kyle in 2012, contending the fight never happened.

After Kyle's death, Ventura named his wife, Taya Kyle, as defendant in the lawsuit. "American Sniper" has generated more than $2.5 million in royalties.
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« Reply #48 on: July 15, 2014, 08:39:21 AM »


http://www.myfoxdfw.com/story/26010510/ventura-no-bar-fight-with-american-sniper-kyle
Ventura: No bar fight with 'American Sniper' Kyle
July 14, 2014
 
 Ventura told the jury he posed for pictures -- some of which were shown in court -- and signed autographs for younger SEALS in the bar that night, but he doesn't recall arguing with them and was not involved in a confrontation. He also said he doesn't recall seeing anyone else fight. He said he didn't know Kyle before that night and has no idea if Kyle was even there.

"I have no recollection of it whatsoever," he said.

 


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2692738/I-saw-Jesse-Ventura-punched-bar-brawl-I-didnt-WHO-did-says-witness-defending-Americas-deadliest-snipers-claim-hit-ex-Minnesota-governor.html
I saw Jesse Ventura punched in a bar brawl – but I didn’t see WHO did it, says witness defending America’s deadliest sniper's claim that he hit ex-Minnesota governor
JUly 15, 2014

* Laura deShazo was called as first defence witness in the defamation lawsuit
*Her testimony partially backs Chris Kyle's claim to have punched Ventura
*The late SEAL sniper alleged that Ventura was badmouthing the military
*Ventura says Mr Kyle's accusations have hurt his reputation

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« Reply #49 on: July 22, 2014, 03:44:40 PM »

http://www.wfaa.com/news/national/Jury-begins-deliberating-in-Ventura-defamation-case-268154072.html
Jury begins deliberating in Ventura defamation case
July 22, 2014

ST. PAUL, Minn. - The defamation lawsuit filed by former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura against the estate of "American Sniper" author Chris Kyle is now in the hands of a jury after closing statements by both sides Tuesday.

In his statement to the 10-person jury an attorney for Kyle's estate said Ventura has failed to prove he was defamed in Kyle's book.

Ventura accused Kyle of fabricating a story in which he said he punched Ventura in a California bar in October of 2006 after Ventura made remarks critical of Navy SEALs and the war in Iraq. A number of witnesses have backed up Kyle's version of events that night.

Kyle attorney John Borger told a federal jury in St. Paul on Tuesday that Ventura is either deluding himself or lying about that night.

He also rejected Ventura's claim that the book hurt his reputation and earning potential. Borger said Ventura's star had faded, and his reputation was hurt more by his pursuit of the lawsuit after Kyle died than anything Kyle wrote.

In his opportunity to address the jury Ventura attorney David Olson asked the jurors to use their common sense while deciding the case. He highlighted inconsistencies in the versions different defense witnesses gave, of what happened Oct 12, 2006 at McP's Pub in Coronado.

Olson insisted witnesses gave different times and locations within McP's outdoor area for the fight. Two witnesses said Ventura was wearing a Hawaiian shirt, which wasn't the case.

Olson also highlighted what he says is the difference between what Kyle told co-author Jim DeFelice in a recorded interview in 2010 versus what he said in a taped deposition in November of 2012.

On the "unjust earnings" part of the case -- the claim that Kyle profited from his claims that he punched and knocked down Ventura -- Olson said publicity about the alleged fight is the only thing that made 'American Sniper' an instant best seller. He noted that the Ventura punch was the first thing Bill O'Reilly asked Kyle about on Jan. 5, 2012 when Kyle made his first TV appearance.

The publisher asserts it was O'Reilly's endorsement of the book that made it skyrocket, not the few pages that involved Ventura. But Olson noted that following the O'Reilly interview publisher Harper Collins included links to it in press releases.

Concerning the value of the book, Olson speculated that Harper Collins has made $40 million in the book, based on 1.5 million copies sold at $26 per hard cover copy. He calculates that brings the Kyle estate's cut of the royalties to $6 million, not including what the estate stands to make from a planned movie based on "American Sniper."

Olson told Jurors that Ventura's earnings have diminished and his standing with former SEALs and Frogmen has taken a major hit as a result of the book.

Kyle's attorney John Borger said Ventura's standing with former SEALS took the biggest hit when he refused to drop the lawsuit after Kyle was murdered in 2013.
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« Reply #50 on: July 28, 2014, 02:33:12 PM »

http://www.startribune.com/local/268883971.html
Jury says it can't reach unanimous verdict in Ventura trial
July 28, 2014

The jury in the defamation lawsuit brought by former Gov. Jesse Ventura informed the judge Monday that they can’t reach a verdict, but the judge instructed them to keep trying.

“We have not reached a unanimous decision,” the jury wrote in a note to U.S. District Judge Richard Kyle, who read it aloud at a noon hearing with the jury and attorneys in the courtroom.

“We feel we will not come to a unanimous decision,” the note said.

But Kyle told the 10 jurors to “give it one more shot” and asked them to resume deliberations, noting that his instructions required a unanimous verdict.

None of the jurors spoke at the hearing, and they looked grim-faced and downcast before filing out to return to the jury room.

After the jury left the courtroom, Kyle told attorneys for both sides seated at their counsel tables to “stay close. This might not be a long afternoon.”

Jurors have been deliberating since Tuesday afternoon, for a total of about 27 and a half hours, in the suit filed by Ventura claiming that the late Navy SEAL Chris Kyle fabricated an account of a 2006 bar fight in his bestselling book, “American Sniper.”

Kyle wrote that he punched out a “celebrity” ex-Navy SEAL who was criticizing the SEALs’ role in the war in Iraq during a wake for a fallen SEAL. Ventura’s lawsuit claims the account ruined his reputation.

Chris Kyle was killed in 2013, and Ventura continued the suit against his estate and his widow, Taya, who is managing the estate.

The jury had taken the weekend off and shortly after they resumed deliberations at 9 a.m. Monday morning they requested an easel and pens be brought to the jury room.

At 11:49 a.m. a courthouse employee rolled a cart of sandwiches to the seventh-floor backroom at U.S. District Court in St. Paul. Shortly after noon, the judge began the hearing with the jurors and attorneys present. The attorneys had been called to Kyle’s chambers for a private meeting about a half-hour before the open court hearing, presumably to be informed about the jury’s note.

Judge talks to jury

During the hearing, Kyle told jurors that they should “not lower your standards,” but he urged them to continue deliberating.

He pointed out that if there was a hung jury the case could be tried again and “there’s no reason to think the case would be better tried” a second time.

“I’m going to give you one more time,” Kyle told them.

He said if they can’t reach a decision, “let me know and we’ll deal with it at that time.”
 
A new trial would depend upon a decision by Ventura and his attorneys, who would have to file a motion to continue pressing the case. It would result in a new jury being empaneled and probably a different judge to hear the case.
The suit was filed in 2012 and there have been many depositions taken and numerous pretrial motions filed by attorneys by both sides and ruled on by Kyle, who is no relation to the late defendant.
 
Jane Kirtley a journalism professor at the University of Minnesota and an expert on defamation case, said, “As I’ve said from the beginning, there could be a deadlock. The evidence is strongly disputed by both sides and [Chris] Kyle is dead, so he can’t be cross-examined.

“If one person disagrees with any one of the questions [posed by the judge], be it falsity, defamation or actual malice, then the jury is deadlocked,” she said.

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« Reply #51 on: July 29, 2014, 04:22:46 PM »

http://kxan.com/2014/07/29/jury-awards-ventura-1-8m-in-defamation-case-against-american-sniper/
Jury awards Ventura $1.8M in defamation case against “American Sniper”
July 29, 2014

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A jury awarded former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura $1.8 million on Tuesday in his lawsuit against the estate of “American Sniper” author Chris Kyle.

On the sixth day of deliberations, the federal jury decided that the author of the 2012 best-selling book defamed Ventura in its description of a bar fight in California in 2006. Kyle, regarded as the deadliest military sniper in U.S. history, wrote that he decked a man whom he later identified as Ventura after the man allegedly said the Navy SEALs “deserve to lose a few.”

Ventura testified that Kyle fabricated the passage about punching him. Kyle said in testimony videotaped before his death last year that his story was accurate.

Legal experts had said Ventura, a former Navy SEAL, had to clear a high legal bar to win, since as a public figure he had to prove actual malice. According to the jury instructions, Ventura had to prove with “clear and convincing evidence” that Kyle either knew or believed what he wrote was untrue, or that he harbored serious doubts about its truth.

Neither Ventura nor Kyle’s widow, Taya Kyle, who is the executor of his estate, were on hand for the verdict.

Ventura didn’t immediately return a message left at his Minneapolis-area home. But his attorney, David Bradley Olsen, said Ventura felt there were “no real winners in this trial.”

“He’s certainly grateful for the verdict but his reputation with an entire generation of young SEALs may never be repaired,” Olsen said, adding, “It is a victory in the sense that the jury did tell the world that Chris Kyle’ story is a lie and was a fabrication.”

Jurors left the courthouse Tuesday via a back entrance, declining to comment to waiting reporters. The jury told the judge Monday that it didn’t believe it could reach a unanimous verdict, but the judge instructed them to continue. Attorneys for both sides agreed Tuesday the verdict did not need to be unanimous and would allow a verdict if only eight of 10 jurors agreed.

Kyle attorney John Borger said the family would consider an appeal. He faced questions about why he agreed to a non-unanimous verdict when the jury appeared close to being hung.

“That was a strategic call that seemed appropriate at the time,” Borger said.


After finding in favor of Ventura, the jury was also tasked with awarding damages for any harm to his reputation, humiliation and embarrassment. Jurors had to find that Ventura suffered an economic loss as a direct result of Kyle’s statements, or that Kyle used Ventura to profit unjustly.

In his closing argument, Ventura attorney David Bradley Olsen said he believes Kyle’s estate has earned more than $6 million from the book, and suggested that $5 million to $15 million would be reasonable compensation for what he said was irreparable harm to Ventura’s reputation.
 
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« Reply #52 on: July 30, 2014, 07:36:47 PM »

http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/Midlothian-residents-react-to-disgusting--269291211.html
Midlothian residents react to 'disgusting' verdict awarding Ventura $1.8M
July 30, 2014

MIDLOTHIAN — Midlothian is the cement capital of Texas and Jesse Ventura just stepped in it.
"I think it's totally disgusting," said Vietnam vet Don Radabaugh as he enjoyed a beer Wednesday at Ellis County BBQ. "He should be ashamed of himself."
The local backlash toward the former wrestler and Navy SEAL didn't stop there.
"I don't think Jesse Ventura would be welcome in Texas," said restaurant owner Dennis Deweerd.
After the fatal shooting that killed former Navy SEAL and author Chris Kyle, patrons of the restaurant raised thousands for his surviving wife, Taya Kyle, and their two children. Boat racer Marty Logan donated more than $100,000.
"Now, we have someone taking money from the widow," he said. "It's crazy."
At the Mona Leigh Studio salon, where Taya Kyle is a customer, you could hear the shock at the $1.8 million verdict and heartache for the family.
"We all care for the family," said Lorri Smith. "It's heartbreaking that they're having to deal with this."
There are signs all over Midlothian promoting a golf tournament for the American Legion Post renamed in honor of Kyle. Ventura probably shouldn't enter.
 
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« Reply #53 on: July 31, 2014, 07:09:06 PM »

(Bolded by Me)  The trial didn't clear Jesse Ventura's name.  The verdict certainly wasn't unanimous and I suppose he's settled for $1.8 million dollars, which should help him sleep better at night, right? It wasn't a unanimous decision and who the heck knows what a jury might do these days.    I wasn't a fan of Jesse Ventura in the first place, and I feel he himself was responsible for his drop in popularity and money earning.   As far as "it has nothing to do with a widow or anything like that..." what little respect I had for him in the first place is now a negative number.  Stay classy Jesse! 

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/jesse-ventura-no-regrets-over-suing-widow-of-navy-seal-chris-kyle/
Jesse Ventura: No regrets over suing widow of Navy SEAL
July 30, 2014

Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura said Wednesday his successful lawsuit against the estate of late Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle was about "the truth" and that he has no plans to reach out to Kyle's widow, who is the executor of the Kyle's estate, now that the trial is over.

"All I wanted to do was clear my name, and it has nothing to do with a widow or anything like that," Ventura said on "CBS This Morning" during his first post-trial interview.

 

Much of the criticism against Ventura has centered around the size of the verdict against Kyle's estate, which is providing for his widow and two children. Ventura said that criticism doesn't bother him.

"Taya Kyle had all of her attorney fees paid by insurance. I did not. I incurred two-and-a-half years of lawyer fees that I have to pay to clear my name, and she had insurance paying everything for her," Ventura said on "CBS This Morning." "It was me against an insurance company."

Ventura said he will use his winnings to pay his lawyers' fees.

When asked why he thought Kyle might have made up the tale of the punch-out, Ventura called it a "sea story."

"In the Navy it happens all the time," Ventura said. "One sailor lies to another sailor. That second sailor then tells the story three more times, and all of the sudden, the sea story becomes the truth. They were drunk. They were drinking heavily, and it was just a story that happened in another bar and erupted six years later."

The dispute over Kyle's book may not be over, either. Ventura said on "CBS This Morning" he plans to "visit" the book's publisher, HarperCollins.

"They published the book and did no due diligence to find out if the story was true," Ventura said.


EDITOR'S NOTE: After Ventura appeared on "CBS This Morning," HarperCollins released a statement saying it was removing the passage about the former governor from "American Sniper."
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« Reply #54 on: November 26, 2014, 10:20:12 PM »

http://www.myfoxdfw.com/story/27490636/18m-verdict-upheld-in-american-sniper-case
$1.8M verdict upheld in 'American Sniper' case
November 26, 2014



ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - A judge has rejected a request from the widow of "American Sniper" author Chris Kyle to order a new trial or toss a jury's verdict in favor of former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura.

Ventura was awarded $1.8 million in a defamation lawsuit that alleged Kyle made up claims in his book about punching Ventura after he made offensive comments about Navy SEALS at a California bar in 2006.

Ventura says it never happened. Both men are former SEALs.

The lawsuit was allowed to continue after Kyle, considered the deadliest sniper in U.S. military history, died last year.

Attorneys for his widow, Taya Kyle, say laws and trial evidence didn't support the jury's award. But the federal judge who presided over the trial ruled Wednesday that "substantial evidence" supported the verdict.
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« Reply #55 on: January 30, 2015, 10:18:14 PM »

http://www.kwtx.com/home/headlines/Governor-Declares-Monday-Chris-Kyle-Day-In-Texas-290366221.html
Governor Declares Monday Chris Kyle Day In Texas
January 30, 2015

AUSTIN (January 30, 2015) Texas Gov. Greg Abbott told VFW members Friday in Austin he is declaring Monday Chris Kyle Day in honor of the slain Navy SEAL sniper who’s the focus of the movie “American Sniper.”

Kyle, 38, who was reputed to have been the deadliest sniper in U.S. military history with 160 confirmed kills, and another veteran were shot to death on Feb. 2, 2013 at a North Texas shooting range.

“In honor of a Texas son, a Navy SEAL and an American hero – a man who defended his brothers and sisters in arms on and off the battlefield – I am declaring Feb. 2 Chris Kyle Day in Texas. We will commemorate his passing. But more importantly, remembering his answering of the call of duty,” Abbott said in his speech to the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars Mid-Winter Convention.

Kyle completed four tours of duty in Iraq and wrote the best-selling book "American Sniper,” on which the hit movie starring Bradley Cooper is based.

Kyle, 38, and Chad Littlefield, 35, were shot to death with a semi-automatic handgun on Feb. 2, 2013 at the Rough Creek Lodge.

Iraq War veteran Eddie Ray Routh, of Lancaster, a former Marine, was charged in the shooting deaths.

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 goes on trial next month in Stephenville.
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« Reply #56 on: February 08, 2015, 08:01:40 PM »

http://www.kwtx.com/home/headlines/Trial-Of-Marine-Accused-Of-Killing-American-Sniper-Set-To-Begin-291201921.html
Trial Of Marine Accused Of Killing “American Sniper” Set To Begin
February 8, 2015


Eddie Ray Routh (Jail photo)

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« Reply #57 on: February 09, 2015, 01:58:16 PM »

http://www.kvue.com/story/news/state/2015/02/09/attorneys-insanity-plea-likely-for-alleged-chris-kyle-killer/23116791/
Attorneys: Insanity plea likely for alleged Chris Kyle killer
February 9, 2015

As the trial for Eddie Routh – the man accused of killing Chris Kyle and Chad Littlefield – gets underway, there is enhanced speculation about how the trial will play out.

Defense attorneys have indicated they will try to show jurors that Routh is mentally insane.

Jerry Loftin, a longtime attorney who has handled high-profile cases for decades, says that is probably the only chance Routh has to be found not guilty.

Opening arguments are expected to begin Wednesday in the trial of Eddie Routh, accused of killing Chris Kyle. Todd Unger has more on how attorneys and the town are preparing.

"There are two kinds of insanity. If you're currently off your rocker, or off your rocker when this happened," he said.

But Loftin acknowledged insanity defenses rarely work these days. And he said the publicity surrounding the death of Kyle in particular will hurt the defense. His life as America's deadliest sniper is currently being profiled in the hit movie, 'American Sniper.'

"There is so much publicity, it takes it to another level," he said.
 
Opening statements are expected for mid-week.
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« Reply #58 on: February 10, 2015, 08:18:28 AM »

http://www.wfaa.com/story/news/crime/2015/02/09/attorneys-insanity-plea-likely-for-chris-kyle-killer/23102469/
Jury seated for trial of Chris Kyle's accused killer
February 9, 2015

STEPHENVILLE — A jury of two men and 10 women was selected Monday at the trial for Eddie Routh, the man accused of killing Chris Kyle and Chad Littlefield.

Opening arguments are expected to begin on Wednesday.

Defense attorneys have indicated they will try to show jurors that Routh is mentally insane.

Jerry Loftin, a longtime attorney who has handled high-profile cases for decades, says that is probably the only chance Routh has to be found not guilty.

"There are two kinds of insanity. If you're currently off your rocker, or off your rocker when this happened," he said.

But Loftin acknowledged insanity defenses rarely work these days. And he said the publicity surrounding the death of Kyle in particular will hurt the defense. His life as America's deadliest sniper is currently being profiled in the hit movie, "American Sniper."

"There is so much publicity, it takes it to another level," he said.



Prosecutors told the nearly 130 people in the courtroom that no matter what they've heard, there is a lot they have not heard yet about the case. They explained that with an insanity defense, the burden on the the defense to prove their client is or was insane. Prosecutors said there can not be a shadow of doubt, calling it a "very narrow door."

Routh's defense attorney asked lots of individuals questions of the potential jurors and whether they could require the state to prove its case. He asked the room how many of those present had seen "American Sniper," and very few hands were raised.

Another 17 potential jurors were dismissed on Monday after 19 were dismissed over the weekend. The judge said pre-trial publicity did not hamper their attempts to seat a jury, and he denied two defense motions for a continuance and a change of venue that were filed because of pretrial publicity.
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« Reply #59 on: February 10, 2015, 06:19:18 PM »

http://www.fox4news.com/story/28072717/wife-of-american-sniper-chris-kyle-to-testify
Wife of 'American Sniper' Chris Kyle to testify
February 10, 2015



STEPHENVILLE, Texas (AP) - Prosecutors say the widow of Chris Kyle, the former Navy SEAL depicted in the Oscar-nominated movie "American Sniper," will be among the first witnesses to testify during the trial of his alleged killer in Texas.

Opening statements are expected Wednesday in the trial of Eddie Ray Routh. The former Marine is accused of fatally shooting Kyle and Kyle's friend, Chad Littlefield, as the pair tried to help Routh a shooting range.
 
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