PADUCAH, KY (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Prosecutors will seek the death penalty against a man accused of killing his wife, a Fort Campbell soldier, in 2018.
On Thursday, the U.S. District Court of Western Kentucky filed a notice of its intent to seek the death penalty against Victor E. Silvers, charged with the premeditated murder of Sgt. Brittney Silvers, on installation at Fort Campbell on Oct. 14, 2018.
The court justified the decision to seek the death penalty through several aggravating factors, according to court records obtained by Clarksville Now.
The charges
On Tuesday, a grand jury returned a superseding indictment on seven counts against Victor Silvers, including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, domestic violence, violation of protection order, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and two counts of the use of a firearm during a violent offense.
Michael A. Bennett, the acting U. S. attorney for the Western District of Kentucky, cited “especially heinous, cruel or depraved manner” in the slaying. Both the indictment and death penalty notice allege Victor displayed a reckless disregard for human life.
On the day of the shooting, a friend of Sgt. Silvers was visiting her apartment at Fort Campbell when Victor Silvers began banging on the door, according to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint. The friend heard shouting followed by a gunshot that killed Sgt. Silvers in front of her residence.
A short time later, Victor Silvers entered the home and a bathroom, where the friend had been during the altercation. The defendant, still armed with a handgun, entered the bathroom, at which point a struggle ensued, and the gun was discharged at least three times, according to the affidavit. The friend was shot in the leg.
At the time of her death, Sgt. Silvers was seeking a divorce from Victor Silvers and had an order of protection against him, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Issue of premeditation
The court filings allege substantial planning and premeditation by Victor Silvers.
They claim he had assaulted his wife twice in the months leading up to her murder. On July 22, 2018, he struck Sgt. Silvers multiple times in the face and lip, causing physical injury, the records state. Three days later, he purchased 9 mm semiautomatic pistol, the same firearm used to kill Sgt. Silvers.
The second assault occurred Sept. 22, 2018. He entered Sgt. Silvers’ home and threatened her with a firearm, the records state. After he left, Sgt. Silvers called Fort Campbell military police, who notified authorities in Clarksville. Victor Silvers was arrested and served with a warrant from the first assault.
He was released the same day on an order that restrained him from being near Sgt. Silvers or possessing a firearm, according to the recent filings.
Additionally, the court records allege he texted another person in September 2018 with death threats against Sgt. Silvers.
Victor Silvers initially denied involvement in the crimes, but later confessed to investigators during an interview, according to the records.
Possible penalties
If convicted of first-degree murder, Victor could face the death penalty or life in prison. Counts three and four also carry possible life sentences, and all seven counts could carry fines up to $250,000. Counts six and seven would be served consecutively on top of the life sentence.
The Army also plans to present evidence that the loss of Sgt. Silvers undermined her unit’s readiness and ability to respond to threats. The records also state that because she was murdered on the installation, the Army’s ability to maintain safety and security was undermined.