Jury hears videotaped confession in 'American Sniper' trial
Eddie Ray Routh admits to killing Chris Kyle and his friend but pleads not guilty by reason of insanity
STEPHENVILLE, Texas – A judge has denied a defense request for a mistrial in the case of a former Marine accused of killing "American Sniper" author Chris Kyle and Kyle's friend.
The Dallas Morning News reports the request came Tuesday in the trial of Eddie Ray Routh after prosecutors said they mistakenly suggested glass vials presented earlier belonged to Routh. Prosecutor Alan Nash said "inartful" questioning likely made jurors believe the vials stored in boxes of evidence seized from Routh's house belonged to him.
Testimony showed crime lab workers put the vials in the boxes to preserve drug evidence.
Judge Jason Cashon said the error could be corrected and instructed the jury to disregard the vials.
The trial has drawn intense interest, partly because of an Oscar-nominated film based on Kyle's memoir.
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