What Happened to Christopher Scott "Chris" Kyle?

Christopher Scott Kyle, born on April 8, 1974, in Odessa, Texas, grew up on a cattle ranch and developed an early proficiency with firearms through hunting and rodeo. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1998, eventually becoming a Navy SEAL sniper. Kyle served four tours of duty in the Iraq War between 1999 and 2009, where his exceptional marksmanship earned him the moniker "The Legend" among his comrades and "al-Shaitan" (the devil) from Iraqi insurgents, who placed a bounty on his head. He was officially credited with 160 confirmed kills, making him the deadliest sniper in U.S. military history. During his service, Kyle was awarded one Silver Star and three Bronze Star Medals with "V" devices for valor, among other commendations, though initial reports and his autobiography claimed a higher number of awards which were later corrected by the Navy in 2016.

After being honorably discharged in 2009, Kyle moved to Midlothian, Texas, with his wife, Taya, and their two children. He became president of Craft International, a tactical training company, and in 2012, published his autobiography, "American Sniper." The book became a New York Times bestseller, detailing his combat experiences and the toll of war. Kyle also dedicated his post-military life to helping fellow veterans, particularly those struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), co-founding the FITCO Cares Foundation (now part of the American Valor Foundation).

Tragically, on February 2, 2013, Chris Kyle, at 38 years old, and his friend Chad Littlefield, 35, were murdered by Eddie Ray Routh, a 25-year-old Marine veteran, at a shooting range near Chalk Mountain, Texas. Kyle and Littlefield had taken Routh to the range in an effort to help him with his mental health struggles. Routh shot both men with Kyle's own firearms, leaving their personal weapons holstered and unfired. Routh was apprehended after a brief chase.

The trial of Eddie Ray Routh began on February 11, 2015, and garnered national attention. Routh's defense argued he was insane due to paranoid schizophrenia and PTSD, while prosecutors contended he knew right from wrong. On February 24, 2015, after less than three hours of deliberation, the jury found Routh guilty of capital murder. He was immediately sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Kyle's story gained even wider prominence with the release of Clint Eastwood's film adaptation, "American Sniper," in December 2014, starring Bradley Cooper. The film was a critical and commercial success, receiving multiple Academy Award nominations. As of 2026, Chris Kyle's legacy continues to resonate, particularly through the efforts of his widow, Taya Kyle, who founded the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation (now the Taya and Chris Kyle Foundation - TACK-F) in 2014. This foundation, along with the American Valor Foundation, focuses on strengthening military and first responder marriages and providing support to veterans and their families. The anniversary of his death, February 2, is recognized as 'Chris Kyle Day' in Texas, honoring his valor and highlighting ongoing discussions about veteran mental health and reintegration.