“American Sniper” Trial: Eddie Ray Routh Knew His Actions Were Wrong, Psychologist Says

Psychologist Randall Price (ABC News)(DALLAS) — Alleged killer Eddie Ray Routh had “paranoid personality disorder,” which is not a mental disorder, and he knew what he was doing was wrong, a psychologist testified Friday at the American Sniper murder trial.

The past three days, the defense called family members, friends and a psychiatrist, who testified that Routh, who is accused of shooting and killing former Navy SEAL Chris Kyle and Kyle’s friend Chad Littlefield at a Texas gun range, had serious mental-health issues before the murders in February 2013.

Psychologist Randall Price, who was called by the prosecution Friday as a rebuttal witness, testified that Routh knew that what he was doing was wrong, ABC affiliate WFAA reported.

Price said that Routh had “paranoid personality disorder,” which is not a mental disorder.

On Thursday, the defense called to the stand a psychiatrist who had interviewed Routh in the spring of 2014. Dr. Mitchell Dunn testified that Routh told him that one month before the shooting, Routh believed his co-workers were cannibals and wanted to eat him. Dunn said that it was his expert opinion that Routh suffered from mental illness.

But Price testified Friday that Routh’s psychotic symptoms were largely due to marijuana and alcohol abuse, and heavy pot use “heightens suspiciousness” among people with paranoid personality disorder.

Price also testified that he suspects Routh is faking schizophrenia.

Both the prosecution and defense have now rested at the trial in Stephenville, Texas.

Kyle, who was considered the deadliest sniper in U.S. military history, wrote an autobiography that became the basis for the movie American Sniper, starring Bradley Cooper.

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