In a shocking turn of events, a US soldier has been charged with the first and second-degree murder of his wife in Anchorage, Alaska, just four days after he reported her missing to the police. The accused, 21-year-old Zarrius Hildabrand, who worked as a cannon crew member in the US Army, now faces additional charges of tampering with evidence. The victim, 21-year-old Saria Hildabrand, was a dedicated medic with the Alaska National Guard.

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. Concerned for her safety, authorities launched a search operation to locate her. Tragically, the search led investigators to discover Saria's lifeless body on Thursday, with the assistance of drones.

Court records reveal chilling details surrounding the case. Zarrius Hildabrand had informed the police that he and his wife had been out celebrating his birthday with friends on August 5th. They returned home early the next morning, and according to him, Saria left for work around 10 a.m. on August 6th. However, suspiciously, Saria's co-workers reported receiving text messages from her at 10:45 a.m. that same day, stating she would be calling out of work.

Further raising suspicions, Zarrius Hildabrand made a series of purchases on August 6th, the day Saria vanished. He bought a 96-gallon trashcan, new bed sheets, hydrogen peroxide, and an empty spray bottle. Combined with the discovery of blood-soaked materials in their apartment, these purchases intensified investigators' doubts.

The news of Saria's murder has shocked and devastated her family. Meredith Barney, Saria's mother, expressed her shock and disbelief at the allegations against her son-in-law. She recounted how he had called her from her daughter's cell phone, which immediately raised suspicions. Fighting back tears, she described her daughter as the "most amazing, precious child ever" and called for justice to be served.

The couple had met during basic training approximately a year ago, and Saria had relocated from Utah to Alaska a few months later to be with her husband and pursue her career in the medical field within the National Guard. The tragic loss of such a promising young woman has brought immense grief to her loved ones.

Zarrius Hildabrand made his first appearance in court on Friday, clad in an orange jumpsuit, where he was appointed a public defender. He currently remains in custody at the Anchorage Correctional Complex, with bail set at $500,000. The Army and Alaska National Guard have refrained from making any official comments regarding the case, leaving the community in suspense and seeking answers.

In the midst of this heart-wrenching tragedy, friends and family have initiated a GoFundMe page to cover funeral costs and repatriate Saria Hildabrand's remains to Utah. The fundraising page paints a vibrant picture of Saria as an outgoing, loving, and caring individual with dreams of a flourishing career in medicine. The initiative has already garnered significant support, with nearly $18,000 raised out of a $20,000 goal.

As the investigation into this harrowing crime continues, the Anchorage Police Department has yet to respond to requests for comments regarding Zarrius Hildabrand's arrest. The close-knit community remains shocked, saddened, and hopeful for justice to prevail.