A U.S. Air Force airman has been charged with the murder of a 21-year-old Native American woman, whose remains were found in South Dakota months after she went missing. The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Quinterius Chappelle, is stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base and has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder charges. If convicted, he faces a possible life sentence.
Discovery of the Victim’s Remains
The victim, Sahela Sangrait, was last seen in August 2024 before she was reported missing. According to authorities, Sangrait was believed to have been traveling from Eagle Butte to Box Elder, South Dakota, to collect her belongings before heading to California.
Her disappearance prompted a search effort, but it wasn’t until March 4, 2025, that a hiker discovered her decomposed body near the Pennington and Custer County lines, approximately 50 miles from Ellsworth Air Force Base. Investigators later determined that she had been murdered, though specific details about the cause of death have not been released.
The Charges and Arrest
Chappelle, an active-duty airman and aircraft inspection journeyman with the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, was arrested following an extensive investigation by federal and local law enforcement agencies. The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the charges against him, confirming that the case is being prosecuted at the federal level due to the crime occurring on a military installation.
Chappelle remains in custody at the Pennington County Jail as he awaits trial.
Investigation and Federal Involvement
The investigation into Sangrait’s death was conducted by multiple agencies, including the FBI and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Federal authorities have been working closely with state and local law enforcement to gather evidence in the case.
The U.S. Department of Justice (justice.gov) confirmed the charges against Chappelle, stating that the prosecution will be led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota.
Background on the Suspect
Chappelle enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 2019 and has served in aircraft maintenance roles at Ellsworth Air Force Base. The Air Force has yet to release an official statement regarding his arrest, though military personnel charged with serious crimes typically face both civilian and military legal proceedings.
The Crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
Sangrait’s murder highlights the ongoing issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW) in South Dakota and across the United States. According to the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office, as of 2025, there are at least 59 cases of missing Native Americans in the state, more than half of whom are women.
Native American advocacy groups have long called for increased federal action to address violence against Indigenous women, citing high rates of homicide and disappearances in tribal communities. The U.S. Department of the Interior has launched initiatives to combat the crisis, including the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Initiative (doi.gov).
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Chappelle’s case is currently pending in federal court, and a trial date has not yet been set. Prosecutors have not disclosed a possible motive for the crime or detailed the nature of the relationship between the suspect and the victim.
Federal law allows for the death penalty in certain murder cases, but it is unclear if prosecutors will seek capital punishment. If convicted, Chappelle could face life in prison without parole.
The case has drawn significant attention from both the public and advocacy groups focused on Indigenous rights and military accountability. As the investigation continues, many are calling for further measures to ensure justice for victims like Sangrait.
Resources and Assistance
For more information on federal efforts to combat violence against Indigenous women, visit the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (ovw.usdoj.gov).
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or needs support, resources are available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at thehotline.org or by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
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