Ex-soldier sentenced to 59 years in prison for killing wife, stuffing body in storm drain

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU/Gray News) - An Alaskan man was sentenced this week, three years after authorities say he murdered his wife and attempted to conceal it.

On Friday, former U.S. Army Spec. Zarrius Hildabrand, 24, was given a 59-year prison sentence for fatally shooting 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.

The prosecution said during the nearly two-week trial that after a night out celebrating his 21st birthday, Hildabrand shot his wife after she discovered him cheating.

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

Following Saria Hildabrand’s death, authorities said Zarrius Hildabrand reported her missing and moved her body to a storm drain near the couple’s apartment.

The former soldier then assisted in search efforts until her body was later discovered.