Dr Phil: ‘American Sniper’ Killer’s Parents Say “Something Snapped”

Dr Phil: Inside the Mind of the Man Who Shot the American Sniper

One month after Eddie Ray Routh was convicted in the 2013 murders of two men, the Marine Corps veteran’s parents gave an exclusive interview to Dr Phil. One of their son’s two victims was Chris Kyle, the US Navy SEAL behind the story of the popular movie American Sniper. Kyle and fellow victim Chad Littlefield were at a Texas gun range with Routh in an attempt to help him cope with life back at home after his time in the military. In court, Routh’s lawyers argued that he was suffering from mental health problems.

Chris Kyle, who has been called the deadliest sniper in the history of the United States, went from the pages of a book to movie screens everywhere. Kyle served four tours of duty in Iraq, but his biggest threat would be back on American soil, where his attempts to help a troubled fellow veteran cost him his life.

Dr Phil: American Sniper Murder Trial

While American Sniper was riding high at the box office, Eddie Ray Routh’s trial was unfolding in Texas. There, lawyers claimed that he had schizophrenia and PTSD. However, a jury did not buy the insanity defense, and they found Routh guilty of the murders. Though he has been sentenced to life in prison, his lawyers are working on an appeal. Jodi and Raymond, Routh’s parents, spoke only to Dr Phil about their perspective on this tragic situation.

“I understand mental illness. That’s why I wanted to do this interview,” Dr Phil said. “There’s a side of this story that hasn’t been told.”

Raymond said that they did not give interviews to the news media because they wanted to be able to share their side of the story. “This wasn’t my son that did this. It was his body that did it. But it wasn’t him in his right mind,” Raymond said. He is upset that his son has been characterized as evil. “Something snapped in my son,” he said. However, both parents agreed that their son’s behavior was wrong and unacceptable.

Dr Phil: Parents of a Convicted Killer Speak

Dr Phil also asked Jodi what she would want to say to her son’s victims if she had the chance. “I would just tell them that I was so grateful that they were willing to give Eddie a hand, to try to help Eddie,” she said. “And how I wish they were here, that this had never, ever happened.”

She also said she has grieved and prayed for the families of the victims. “I think they were truly trying to help my son. I really do,” Raymond said. “And I’m so sorry for these people’s loss.” Raymond said this incident has also cost their son his own life, but no one can take back what has happened.

It’s a tragic story, and it serves as a reminder that we need to do better in providing resources for our service members as they return from duty. We must make changes and help the people who have sacrificed so much in the name of our country and its freedoms.

If you are a veteran or family member looking for mental health resources, visit MentalHealth.gov or the VA’s Mental Health page to get started and find out what is available.