A psychological expert told a Texas court on Friday that the defendant in the murder of American Navy sniper Chris Kyle and another victim two years ago knew right from wrong and had only been faking schizophrenia.

Defense lawyers, who acknowledged that Eddie Ray Routh, 27, gunned down the two victims in February two years ago, were hoping to have Routh found not guilty with an insanity plea.

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Routh has been charged with shooting to death Kyle -- whose best-selling book was shot into the hit film "American Sniper" -- and Kyle's companion, Chad Littlefield, at a Texas shooting range.

Psychologist Randall Price on Friday took the stand for the prosecution in a Stephenville court, a day after the defense presented a forensic psychiatrist who found Routh to show genuine indications of psychosis and diagnosed him with paranoid schizophrenia.

Price told the court that Routh did know that what he did was wrong but he did it anyway. He testified that the defendant falls short of the state's legal definition of insanity but he said the accused's heavy drug use worsened his paranoid personality disorder.

The prosecution and the defense are expected to make their closing arguments as early as Monday next week. Prosecutors told the court to hand Routh a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

The murder trial has renewed interest in Kyle, who many in his home state of Texas consider a hero. He was also portrayed a hero in the film "American Sniper," which has earned nominations for six Oscars, including best picture. 

TagsAmerican Sniper, US Navy Sniper, Eddie Ray Routh