Ex-Soldier Gets 59 Years for Murder

PHOTO CAPTION: Spc. Saria Barney Hildabrand, 21, served as a combat medic in the Alaska Army National Guard when she was murdered by her husband in August 2023. Former Army Spc. Zarrius Hildabrand was sentenced on October 23, 2026, to 59 years of unsuspended prison time for second-degree murder and evidence tampering. (Family photo courtesy of Meredith Barney via Associated Press)

A former U.S. Army soldier who murdered his 21-year-old National Guard wife, concealed her body in a storm drain and then joined her family in searching for her has been sentenced to 59 years in prison.

Zarrius Hildabrand, 24, received an 84-year sentence with 25 years suspended Friday, October 23, following his conviction for second-degree murder and two counts of evidence tampering in the death of Spc. Saria Barney Hildabrand.

Saria was a combat medic in the Alaska Army National Guard who had moved to Anchorage to build a future with her husband.

Prosecutors established that Hildabrand shot his wife in the head in August 2023, cleaned their apartment, moved her body to a nearby storm drain and reported her missing.

He subsequently joined her mother and other relatives in searching for Saria, despite knowing she was dead.

Murder Followed Confrontation Over Infidelity

The killing occurred during the early morning hours of August 6, 2023, after the couple returned home from celebrating Hildabrand's 21st birthday with friends.

According to evidence presented at trial, Saria discovered messages on her husband's phone indicating that he had been cheating on her.

Prosecutors said Hildabrand shot her once in the head with a 9mm handgun following the confrontation.

Rather than reporting her death, he began concealing evidence inside their Anchorage apartment.

Investigators determined that he purchased cleaning supplies, replacement bedding and a 96-gallon rolling trash can.

He used the large trash can to move Saria's body to a nearby park, where he placed her remains in a storm drain.

Investigators later discovered extensive blood evidence inside the couple's residence, including on their mattress.

Husband Joined Search After Reporting Wife Missing

On August 7, Hildabrand contacted police to report that his wife had disappeared.

He claimed she had left their apartment to walk to work after the couple woke up feeling sick from the previous night's drinking.

According to investigators, however, Saria had never arrived at the restaurant where she worked.

Coworkers reported receiving text messages from her phone saying she would not be coming in that day.

Evidence later showed that Hildabrand used Saria's phone and took other steps to conceal her death.

As relatives traveled to Anchorage, he joined the growing search effort.

Saria's mother, Meredith Barney, had flown from Utah to help find her daughter.

During an August 2023 court appearance, Barney described how Hildabrand spent hours searching beside her while pretending to be concerned about Saria's whereabouts.

Prosecutors said he even directed relatives away from the area where he had hidden her body.

Police eventually located Saria's remains in a storm drain on August 10, four days after her death.

Hildabrand was arrested that evening.

Jury Rejected Defense Account of Her Death

Hildabrand's trial began in June 2026, nearly three years after his wife's killing.

His attorneys challenged the prosecution's account, arguing that Saria's death could have resulted from a self-inflicted gunshot wound or an accidental shooting.

Hildabrand testified that he had been heavily intoxicated and did not remember the circumstances surrounding her death.

He acknowledged taking steps to conceal what had happened afterward.

Prosecutors countered that the physical evidence, his conduct and his efforts to deceive investigators demonstrated that he was responsible for killing his wife.

On June 25, an Anchorage jury found Hildabrand guilty of second-degree murder and two counts of tampering with physical evidence.

The jury acquitted him of the more serious charge of first-degree murder.

The verdict established his criminal responsibility for Saria's death, but the acquittal meant he was not convicted of first-degree murder.

Judge Imposes 84-Year Sentence With 25 Years Suspended

At the October 23 sentencing hearing, Anchorage Superior Court Judge Peter Ramgren imposed 84 years in prison, suspending 25 years.

That leaves 59 years of unsuspended prison time.

Hildabrand may become eligible to seek discretionary parole after serving approximately 40 years. Any release would require a separate decision, and eligibility does not guarantee that he will be freed.

The sentence also includes 10 years of probation following release.

During the hearing, the judge characterized the killing as unjustified and criticized Hildabrand's prolonged efforts to conceal his actions.

Ramgren said the evidence supported his conclusion that Hildabrand had intentionally killed his wife, despite the jury's acquittal on the first-degree murder charge.

He also expressed concern about Hildabrand's lack of remorse and unwillingness to accept responsibility.

Hildabrand did not make a statement when offered the opportunity.

His defense attorney, Lacey Jane Brewster, had requested a substantially shorter sentence of approximately 22 and a half years, emphasizing his lack of prior convictions, military record and conduct during incarceration.

Prosecutors sought 74 years of imprisonment.

Saria Barney Was an Alaska National Guard Combat Medic

Saria was 21 years old when she was killed.

Originally from Utah, she previously served in the Utah Army National Guard before transferring to the Alaska Army National Guard in 2023.

She was assigned as a combat medic with the 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment.

In addition to military service, she worked at Bread & Brew Alaska in Anchorage and hoped to continue her education toward a career in medicine.

Her relatives described her as hardworking, compassionate and deeply committed to helping other people.

Family members said she had a particularly close relationship with her younger siblings and played an important role in supporting them.

At the sentencing hearing, relatives spoke about the lasting impact of her death and the pain of discovering that the man helping them search for her had committed the murder.

Her mother criticized Hildabrand's behavior throughout the investigation and the absence of an apology.

For Saria's family, the sentence follows more than three years of court proceedings and the loss of a young woman whose military and medical career was only beginning.

What Happens Next

Hildabrand's October 23 sentencing concludes the trial court's punishment phase following his June convictions, although ordinary post-conviction and appellate procedures remain available.

The sentence means he faces decades in Alaska custody before he can seek discretionary parole.

His case also closes a chapter in a killing that drew national attention because of the couple's military service, the elaborate concealment of Saria's death and the husband's participation in the search for his own victim.

For her family and fellow service members, Saria Barney is remembered not only for the circumstances of her death but for the life and military career she had been building.

(Source: OAF Nation)