Chris Kyle, Author of American Sniper, Killed at Erath County Gun Range (Photo credit: NBC)

BREAKING NEWS:  A Stephenville newspaper reports Chris Kyle, author of best-selling book ‘American Sniper,’ was shot and killed at Erath County gun range Saturday. Chris Kyle and a friend were found dead at the Rough Creek Lodge shooting range. Police have a strong suspect.

The Stephenville Empire-Tribune reports, law enforcement officials throughout the county were initially searching for a large four-door Ford pickup that is high off the ground and covered in Rhino liner, with a skull sticker in the back window. Eddie Ray Routh has since been arrested shortly before 9 p.m. in Lancaster. The identity of the second victim has not been released. Eddie Ray Routh was arrested January 2012 for DWI with open container. He was released on $1,500 bond. Eddie Ray Routh, an Iraqi war veteran, is expected to be charged with capital murder.

Chris Kyle is a former Navy SEAL, who served four tours of duty in Iraq. He was given the nickname “The Devil of Ramadi” by insurgents. He leaves behind a wife and two children.

Eddie Ray Routh fatally shot former Navy SEAL Chris Kyle at point-blank range (Photo credit: The Blaze)

UPDATED:  Kyle was shot point-blank while helping another soldier who is recovering from post traumatic stress syndrome, officials said.

…..They said Routh was believed to be highly trained with military experience.

He was reportedly later captured in Lancaster, south of Dallas. The individual was believed to be highly trained with military experience, according to the Erath County Sheriff’s Office.

Officials said the second shooting victim was a neighbor of the suspect. All three men lived in Midlothian, Texas.  Source:  KHOU

Chris Kyle’s foundation released a statement entitled “Loss of a Hero:”  ”The FITCO Cares foundation will always carry the torch to help our brave men and women who have survived combat but are still fighting to survive post traumatic stress disorder. Chris Kyle helped establish this foundation and we are committed to make sure his memory lives on forever…. Thank you for your concern and sentiment. Please pray for all those who loved Chris. He will be forever missed.”

BREAKING NEWS:  The second shooting victim has been identified as Chad Littlefield. Eddie Ray Routh has been arraigned on two counts of capital murder.