Sheriff who investigated 'American Sniper' murder found dead under mysterious circumstances

The Texas sheriff who was known for investigating the murder of "American Sniper" Chris Kyle was discovered deceased from a gunshot to his head, apparently self-inflicted.

Kyle and his friend Chad Littlefield were shot and killed by a former Marine that they had taken to a gun range as therapy to address his PTSD in 2013. The devastating death inspired many conspiracy theories and prompted Erath County Sheriff Tommy Bryant to launch an investigation into the murder. The killer, Eddie Ray Routh, was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. 

According to the Stephenville Empire-Tribune, the Texas sheriff was discovered dead in his home Monday. Bryant had been the subject of an investigation in weeks prior by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement but denied he had done anything wrong. He had just been re-elected sheriff in November.

No doubt the odd circumstances of his death will spur more conspiracy theories, as many observers claim there doesn't seem to be much to justify his taking his own life. Bryant is survived by his wife and one son.