Lead investigator in 'American Sniper' murder case found dead in home
Sheriff Tommy Bryant investigated the 2013 murder of Chris Kyle at a Texas shooting range
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
A Texas sheriff who investigated the murder of the Navy SEAL known as the “American Sniper” has been found dead in his home.
Erath County Sheriff Tommy Bryant was reportedly found at his home in Stephenville with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, the Stephenville Empire Tribune reported. City officials said Mr Bryant’s death occurred at 12:50am on Tuesday.
The statement obtained by the Dallas Morning News from the Texas Rangers did not indicate a specific cause.
Mr Bryant led the investigation into the murders of Chris Kyle – a former US military sniper who gained notoriety for his memoir, American Sniper, and the movie adaptation by the same name – and his shooting partner Chad Littlefield. Gunman Eddie Ray Routh, a former Marine, shot the two men dead while at a shooting range in February 2013. He pled insanity.
Less than a week before Mr Bryant’s death, news broke that the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) had been investigating him for education training fraud. Instead of completing the required 40 hours of training, he allegedly had another officer attend in his place.
“I don't know of any investigation against me and I don't know why there would be one,” Mr Bryant told local media. “I have done nothing wrong.”
In February 2015, a judge found Routh guilty and sentenced him to life in prison without parole.
Eight months before his death, Mr Bryant was re-elected as sheriff.
The Texas Rangers are currently investigating his death.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.