Crime Time
Episode 181
Will the Insanity Defense Succeed in Case of Confessed American Sniper Killer Eddie Ray Routh?
Eddie Ray Routh, the confessed killer of American Sniper Chris Kyle and Chad Littlefield, is discussed-from his confession, to his defense of PTSD-based insanity-as the prosecution has rested in his trial. We talk to Jack Downing about the murder of Chris Kyle, and are joined by Mike Cavalluzzi for his thoughts on the case, as well as the Slender Man murder trial in Wisconsin, and the ongoing Cosby rape scandal in this uncensored episode of Crime Time.
Episode Breakdown
00:01 Welcoming Jack Downing to Crime Time
01:25 What is PTSD and does it exclude people from responsibility?
03:20 Who is responsible in the murder of Chris Kyle?
07:25 Was Chris Kyle aware of Routh’s state of mind?
09:00 Issues with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
11:35 The stigma of PTSD and how it can be treated.
17:15 Welcoming Mike Cavaluzzi
17:21 Eddie Ray Routh’s insanity plea
19:55 Is Eddie Ray Routh’s insanity plea valid?
21:25 Does the use of alcohol and marijuana negate the mental health plea?
23:57 Were Chris Kyle and — Littlefield negligent for taking Eddie Ray Routh to a gun rage without checking his mental health
26:31 If someone doesn’t know how to handle a person’s mental illness, they shouldnt be handling it.
27:04 Should someone be held responsible for their mental illness?
28:42 The Slenderman case of two girls, 12 and 13, attempting to kill their friend
30:35 Should the girls be tried as adults?
32:50 Should the girls be in psychiatric care if they are showing psychopathic tendencies?
37:00 Has the Bill Cosby case become a high profile witchhunt?
38:38 Is Gloria Allred doing the wrong thing in urging the statute of limitation to change?
40:52 Bill Cosby is only facing the court of public opinion and has yet to have an actual criminal conviction brought against him.
42:31 Thank and Goodbye.
Guest Bio
John F. Downing is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the United Veterans of America, Inc. Since joining the organization in 2001, he has restored and expanded the important UVA partnerships with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Massachusetts Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Labor on behalf of formerly homeless veterans. Mr. Downing has developed innovative programs in housing and clinical services for veterans including a transitional living facility with studio apartments in Pittsfield, Ma, called the Berkshire Veterans Residence, opened in the fall of 2004.
Michael “Mike” Cavalluzzi is one of the best criminal defense attorneys in Los Angeles County. He has been described by judges and prosecutors as aggressive, uncompromising, and relentless in his pursuit of justice for his clients. Having defended clients in courts throughout Los Angeles, Ventura, and Orange Counties, Mike Cavalluzzi has cemented a reputation as a top trial attorney.
Michael Cavalluzzi began his legal career in 1992 as a civil litigator for State Farm Insurance, the largest insurance company in the United States. After winning several jury trials, Mr. Cavalluzzi decided to leave State Farm and focus on the practice of criminal defense. He joined the Public Defender’s Office and quickly established himself as a fearless, creative trial attorney, defending clients in all types of cases, ranging from misdemeanor battery to homicide. Mr. Cavalluzzi is also actively involved in civil litigation, successfully representing a number of personal injury cases.
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