Airman charged in killing of Native American woman who went missing 7 months ago in South Dakota

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) -- Quinterius Chappelle, a 24-year-old airman, has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Sahela Sangrait, a 21-year-old Native American woman who went missing in South Dakota seven months ago. Chappelle made his initial court appearance on Monday, with the case documents sealed. Authorities indicate that the murder occurred at Ellsworth Air Force Base, where Chappelle is stationed as an active-duty member.

Chappelle is currently being prosecuted in federal court and is represented by the federal defender's office. He is being held at the Pennington County Jail while awaiting further legal proceedings. The 28th Maintenance Squadron at Ellsworth base confirms that he has served since April 2019. In a statement, Col. Derek Oakley, the 28th Bomb Wing commander, expressed condolences to Sangrait's family and emphasized accountability for service members.

Sangrait's remains were discovered by a hiker on March 4 near the borders of Pennington County and Custer County. She was reported missing on August 10, and authorities indicated her body had severely decomposed. Originally from Box Elder, South Dakota, near the base, it remains unclear whether she was acquainted with Chappelle.

Prior to her disappearance, Sangrait was reportedly staying with a friend in Eagle Butte and intended to return to Box Elder to collect items before traveling to California. It is not confirmed if she ever made it to her hometown. According to reports, Sangrait was Native American, highlighting concerns regarding missing Indigenous persons in South Dakota, where over half of the 59 reported missing cases involve women.

Voicemails sent to the U.S. attorney's office in South Dakota and the FBI for further comment had not been returned at the time of reporting. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Indian Affairs referred inquiries to the appropriate investigative agencies as efforts continue to address the troubling issue of missing and murdered Indigenous people across the nation.