Airman Arrested in Connection to Murder of Missing Native American Woman in South Dakota
A somber cloud hangs over Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, as an active-duty airman faces serious federal charges in connection to the death of a young Native American woman who had been missing since August. Quinterius Chappelle, 24, an Airman Basic stationed at the base, has been formally charged with second-degree murder in the death of 21-year-old Sahela Toka Win Sangrait, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.
The case has drawn the attention of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, highlighting the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people across the United States. The Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit (MMU) has been actively involved in the investigation, providing support to Sangrait’s family during this incredibly difficult time.
Chappelle appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann on Monday, where he entered a plea of not guilty to the federal criminal complaint. The legal proceedings are just beginning, and the case is expected to be complex and emotionally charged.
Sangrait was reported missing on August 10, 2024, sparking a search effort that spanned several months. Authorities believe she was murdered sometime in August, though the exact circumstances surrounding her death remain under investigation. Tragically, her remains were discovered earlier this month in a wooded area near the border of Pennington and Custer Counties, a grim discovery that brought an end to the agonizing search but opened a new chapter of grief for her loved ones.
A hiker stumbled upon the badly decomposed body, which lacked any identifying information, and alerted the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. The condition of the remains presented challenges to investigators, and the cause of death has not yet been officially released, pending further forensic analysis.
The involvement of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit underscores the significance of this case within the context of the broader issue of violence against Native Americans. Indigenous women face disproportionately high rates of violence and go missing at alarming rates, often with limited media attention and investigative resources. The MMU’s Victim Services Program is providing essential support to Sangrait’s family as they navigate the complexities of the legal system and grapple with their devastating loss.
Ellsworth Air Force Base officials have acknowledged the gravity of the situation and expressed their commitment to cooperating with law enforcement. Chappelle is assigned to the 28th Maintenance Squadron at the base, where he serves as an aircraft inspection journeyman. He entered the Air Force on April 30, 2019.
Col. Derek Oakley, the 28th Bomb Wing commander, issued a statement expressing his condolences to Sangrait’s family and emphasizing the Air Force’s commitment to accountability. "First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of Sahela," Col. Oakley 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. We are working closely with the area law enforcement agencies."
While Chappelle’s disciplinary history, if any exists, is protected by the Privacy Act of 1974, the Air Force has made it clear that it will fully cooperate with the investigation and ensure that justice is served.
Chappelle is currently being held by the U.S. Marshals Service at the Pennington County Jail in Rapid City, South Dakota. A trial date has not yet been set, as the legal process is still in its early stages.
U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota, Alison Ramsdell, praised the collaborative efforts of the various law enforcement agencies involved in the case. "This charge, filed just 10 days after the victim’s remains were discovered, reflects the dogged work of federal, state, and local law enforcement professionals who seamlessly collaborated to run down every lead with absolute expediency and care," Ramsdell stated.
She also emphasized the importance of due process, reminding the public that "Under the criminal justice system, this charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is innocent until proven guilty; the facts and evidence in this case will be litigated before a federal judge and jury." Ramsdell concluded by expressing her heartfelt condolences to Sangrait’s family and friends, acknowledging the "agonizing months of searching for answers" they endured before receiving the tragic news of her death.
The investigation into Sangrait’s murder has involved a wide range of agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, the Rapid City Police Department, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. The collaborative effort reflects the seriousness of the case and the commitment to bringing justice to Sangrait and her family. Neither the FBI Minneapolis nor the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations immediately responded to requests for comment.
The case of Sahela Toka Win Sangrait is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Native American communities and the importance of addressing the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people. The investigation is ongoing, and the legal proceedings against Quinterius Chappelle are just beginning. As the case unfolds, it is crucial to remember Sahela and her family and to continue working towards a future where all Indigenous people are safe and valued. The community hopes that justice will prevail and bring some measure of peace to those who loved her.
