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 dra