Former Army soldier sentenced to 59 years for killing wife, stuffing body in storm drain

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - An Anchorage man was sentenced Friday, three years after murdering his wife and then attempting to conceal it.

Content warning: This story contains details that some readers may find disturbing.

Now, 24-year-old former U.S. Army Spec. Zarrius Hildabrand will serve 59 years after he fatally shot his wife, 21-year-old Alaska National Guard Spec. Saria Hildabrand, on Aug. 6, 2023. Both were actively serving at the time of the murder.

Hildabrand was convicted on second-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence charges in June, although he was also acquitted of a first-degree murder charge.

Throughout the nearly two-week trial, the prosecution held a steady argument that after a night out celebrating his 21st birthday, Hildabrand shot his wife after she discovered him cheating.

The defense pushed back against the states’ argument, and claimed that Saria died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Following Saria’s death, Zarrius reported her missing and moved her body to a storm drain near the couples apartment. He then assisted in search efforts for her until her body was later discovered and Hildabrand was arrested for her death.

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