In a shocking turn of events, a US soldier has been charged with murdering his wife in Anchorage, Alaska, just four days after he reported her missing to the police. According to court records, 21-year-old Zarrius Hildabrand has been charged with first and second-degree murder, as well as tampering with evidence. The victim, Saria Hildabrand, also 21 years old, was a medic with the Alaska National Guard, while her husband worked as a cannon crew member in the US Army.

The investigation began when Saria Hildabrand was reported missing on Monday, a day after she was last seen at the couple's apartment complex, according to the Anchorage Police Department. The search for her led investigators to her body, which was discovered on Thursday with the help of drones. The charging documents reveal that Zarrius Hildebrand told the police that he and his wife had been out with friends on August 5th, celebrating his birthday, and had returned home early the next morning. He claimed that his wife left for work around 10 a.m. on August 6th, and when she did not return home after 12 hours, he went to search for her.

However, the charging documents also reveal that Saria Hildabrand's co-workers reported receiving text messages from her at 10:45 a.m. on August 6th, stating that she was calling out of work. On the same day, Zarrius Hildabrand purchased a 96-gallon trashcan, new bed sheets, hydrogen peroxide, and an empty spray bottle. These purchases, along with the discovery of blood-soaked materials in their apartment, raised suspicions.

Meredith Barney, Saria Hildabrand's mother, expressed her shock and disbelief at the allegations against her son-in-law. She recalled how he had called her from her daughter's own cell phone, which immediately raised suspicions. She described her daughter as the "most amazing, precious child ever" and said she wants justice for her. The couple had met during basic training approximately a year ago, and Saria had moved from Utah to Alaska a few months later to be with her husband and pursue her career in the medical side of the National Guard.

Zarrius Hildabrand appeared in court on Friday, wearing an orange jumpsuit, where he was appointed a public defender. He remains in custody at the Anchorage Correctional Complex with a bail set at $500,000. The Army and Alaska National Guard have not yet provided any comments on the case.

Friends and family have started a GoFundMe page to cover funeral costs and return Saria Hildabrand's remains to Utah. The page describes Saria as an outgoing, loving, and caring person who had dreams of a career in medicine. The fundraiser has already received substantial support, with nearly $18,000 raised out of a $20,000 goal.

The Anchorage Police Department has not responded to requests for comments on Zarrius Hildabrand's arrest. The community remains shocked and saddened by this tragic event, and the investigation is ongoing.