A tragic mystery unfolded in South Dakota as a military serviceman faces serious charges in connection with a young woman’s death.
At a glance:
• Quinterius Chappelle, a 24-year-old airman from Ellsworth Air Force Base, has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of 21-year-old Sahela Sangrait
• Sangrait’s remains were discovered by a hiker near Hill City on March 4, approximately 50 miles from the air base
• The victim had been missing since August 2024, last known to be traveling from Eagle Butte to Box Elder before planning to continue to California
• Chappelle, who joined the Air Force in 2019, is being held without bond at Pennington County Jail
• The case involves multiple agencies including local police, FBI, and Air Force investigators with prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office
Service Member Faces Serious Charges
Federal authorities have arrested Airman Quinterius Chappelle on charges of second-degree murder following a months-long investigation into the disappearance of 21-year-old Sahela Sangrait. The 24-year-old suspect, an aircraft inspection journeyman with the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Ellsworth Air Force Base, allegedly killed the young woman who had been missing since last August.
Chappelle, who enlisted in the Air Force in 2019, is now being held without bond as the Department of Justice prepares its case. The grim discovery of Sangrait’s remains by a hiker near Hill City on March 4 brought a tragic end to the search that had been ongoing since she was reported missing in 2024.
Military Leadership Responds to Allegations
Ellsworth Air Force Base commanders took a firm stance in response to the allegation. Col. Derek Oakley, the Ellsworth Air Force commander, stated: “We hold airmen accountable for their actions, and if service members are found in violation of military or civilian law, they will be punished.”
The investigation has involved unprecedented cooperation between multiple agencies, including the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs, FBI, and the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations. A Sheriff’s Office spokesperson described the case as “an excellent collaboration of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in our area.”
The military base is maintaining appropriate distance from the criminal investigation as federal authorities take the lead on prosecution. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will be handling the case against Chappelle, following standard procedure for serious crimes potentially involving federal jurisdiction.
Mystery Surrounds Victim’s Final Moments
Authorities have released only limited information about the relationship between Chappelle and Sangrait, including how they knew each other and what led to the alleged crime. Sangrait was reportedly last seen in Eagle Butte before planning to travel to Box Elder near the air base and then continuing to California.
The timeline suggests Sangrait went missing approximately seven months before her remains were discovered approximately 50 miles from Ellsworth Air Force Base. Law enforcement has not disclosed the cause of death or specific details about how the crime occurred.
