The most prolific sniper death

A former Navy Seal who went on to write a bestselling book chronicling his life as the US's most prolific marksman has been shot dead at a gun range in Texas.

Police said Sunday that the body of Chris Kyle was found by officers responding to an incident at the Rough Creek Lodge in Glen Rose the previous evening. Chad Littlefield, a 35-year-old friend of the war veteran and author, was also killed at the scene.

In a statement, Sergeant Lonny Haschel said Eddie Ray Routh, 25, of Lancaster, had been charged with two counts of murder in relation to the double shooting. The alleged gunman was found at his home just hours after the shooting, having earlier fled the gun range in a pick-up truck, it is claimed.

Former Navy Seal sniper Chris Kyle shot dead at Texas gun range