Chad Hutson Littlefield, a 35-year-old Caucasian male, tragically lost his life on February 2, 2013, at the Rough Creek Ranch-Lodge-Resort shooting range near Glen Rose, Texas, which is southwest of Fort Worth. Littlefield was at the range with his friend, former Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, to help Eddie Ray Routh, a 25-year-old Marine veteran struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder .
Routh, who had been in and out of mental hospitals and diagnosed with schizophrenia, opened fire on Littlefield and Kyle while they were walking downrange to set up targets.
The incident drew national attention due to Kyle's fame as the author of the bestselling autobiography "American Sniper." Littlefield, a resident of Midlothian, Texas, and a facilities and logistics manager at Eagle Labs, Inc., was known for his dependable and responsible nature. He is survived by his wife, Leanne, and their daughter, Morgan.
Eddie Ray Routh was arrested and charged with capital murder in the deaths of Littlefield and Kyle. During his trial, Routh claimed that he shot them because he felt they were a threat to him. In 2015, Routh was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The tragic deaths of Littlefield and Kyle highlighted the challenges faced by veterans dealing with PTSD and the importance of mental health support for those transitioning back to civilian life. Littlefield's family and friends remember him as a loving husband, father, and friend who was always there for those in need.
