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Trial starts for Jacksonville soldier who was killed by husband at Kentucky military base in 2018

JACKSONVILLE, Fla — A Jacksonville father is speaking only to Action News Jax after day one of the murder trial for the man accused of killing his daughter Brittany Silvers.

Federal prosecutors say Brittany was murdered by her husband at a military base in Fort Campbell, Kentucky in 2018, where she was serving.

Her father says he wants justice for his daughter and although the trial just started today, he is anxious for a resolution to the case.

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“Me personally I want the death penalty,” says Rod Hughes.

Brittany was from Jacksonville and at the time was stationed in fort Campbell, Kentucky with the 101st airborne division.

Hughes tells Action News Jax that the family prefers that she be called Brittany Mitchell because of what happened to her.

He says it’s a relief that the trial is here.

“I’m just ready to get it over with so he can get what he deserves,” says Hughes.

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Hughes says these past four years have been difficult for him and Brittany’s other loved ones.

“It’s been hard for both families very hard on both sides of the family, my side and her side,” says Hughes.

Hughes says his daughter Brittany was on the verge of getting a divorce from her husband before she was killed.

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When he received a call about his daughter’s death, Hughes said he couldn’t believe it.

“I was actually driving when my oldest daughter called me, I just lost it,” says Hughes.

Back in 2018, investigators said Victor Silvers confessed to killing Brittany, as for her father, he says he tries his best to keep his daughters legacy alive

“I have her dog tags on and I keep them on. I keep her bracelets on,” says Hughes.

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