Former U.S. Soldier Sentenced to 59 Years After Wife’s Body Was Found in Alaska Storm Drain

A former U.S. Army soldier has been sentenced to 59 years in prison for killing his 21-year-old wife and concealing her body in a storm drain in Anchorage, Alaska.

Zarrius Hildabrand, 24, received the sentence on October 23, 2026, following his conviction for second-degree murder and two counts of tampering with physical evidence. A jury found him guilty in June but acquitted him of the more serious charge of first-degree murder.

The killing occurred in the early hours of August 6, 2023, after the couple had gone out with friends to celebrate Hildabrand’s 21st birthday. Prosecutors said Saria Barney Hildabrand discovered messages on her husband’s phone indicating he had been unfaithful. After she confronted him, he shot her in the head with a 9mm handgun inside their apartment, according to evidence presented at trial.

Investigators said Hildabrand then attempted to conceal what had happened. He purchased cleaning supplies and a large, wheeled trash container, which prosecutors said he used to transport his wife’s body to a nearby park. Her remains were placed in a storm drain, and gasoline was poured over them.

Hildabrand later reported his wife missing and participated in efforts to search for her alongside relatives, military personnel and police. Saria’s body was discovered on August 10, 2023, after investigators followed evidence leading to the drainage system.

The investigation uncovered extensive evidence of an attempted cleanup inside the couple’s apartment. Prosecutors presented evidence that blood had soaked through the mattress and reached the carpet and bed frame. Investigators also found traces of blood in other areas of the home.

During the sentencing hearing, Saria’s family members described the devastating impact of her death. Her mother, Meredith Barney, spoke about the loss of her daughter and the way the family had been affected by the case.

Judge Peter Ramgren criticized Hildabrand’s conduct after the killing, including his participation in the search for his wife. Prosecutors said the judge noted that Hildabrand had shown little concern for anyone other than himself.

Hildabrand was serving in the U.S. Army and stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage at the time of Saria’s death. Saria had served as a combat medic in the Alaska Army National Guard and was also 21 years old.

Under the sentence, Hildabrand must serve at least two-thirds of his prison term before becoming eligible for parole.

Source: DAILYMAIL