Airman charged in killing of Native American woman who went missing...

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - Quinterius Chappelle, a 24-year-old airman stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base, has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of 21-year-old Sahela Sangrait. This tragic case comes after Sangrait went missing for approximately seven months. While details of the court documents remain sealed, authorities indicated that her body was found on March 4 near the county lines of Pennington and Custer.

Chappelle, who serves as an aircraft inspection journeyman with the 28th Maintenance Squadron, made his first court appearance on Monday and is currently being held at the Pennington County Jail. He is being represented by the federal defender's office, which did not provide comment on his behalf. The case will be prosecuted in federal court.

Sangrait was reported missing on August 10 when she failed to return to Box Elder, South Dakota, after visiting a friend in Eagle Butte. When she was discovered, her remains had significantly decomposed, raising concerns about the circumstances leading to her death. Officials have not disclosed any information about whether Sangrait and Chappelle were acquainted.

The investigation into this case brings attention to the alarming number of missing Indigenous people in South Dakota. According to the attorney general's database, there are currently 59 cases of missing Native Americans in the state, with over half being women. In response to these ongoing issues, both federal and state task forces have been established to investigate such cases of missing and murdered Indigenous individuals.

Col. Derek Oakley, commander of the 28th Bomb Wing, expressed condolences for Sangrait's family and friends, emphasizing the military's commitment to holding service members accountable for violations of both military and civilian law. As the case unfolds, the community and authorities continue to seek justice and clarity in this tragic situation.