A shocking case has rocked Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota as a military serviceman faces charges of murder. The case involves the mysterious disappearance and death of a 21-year-old woman whose body was discovered months after she went missing.
At a glance:
• Airman Quinterius Chappelle, 24, has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of 21-year-old Sahela Sangrait
• Sangrait’s decomposed body was found by a hiker near Hill City on March 4, after she was reported missing since August 2024
• The victim was last known to be in Eagle Butte before planning to travel to Box Elder and then California
• Chappelle, who joined the Air Force in 2019, worked as an aircraft inspection journeyman with the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
• Multiple agencies are involved in the investigation, including local police, FBI, and the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations
Military Member Faces Justice
Federal authorities have arrested and charged 24-year-old Quinterius Chappelle with second-degree murder in connection with the death of Sahela Sangrait. The airman from Ellsworth Air Force Base is currently being held without bond at the Pennington County Jail as the Department of Justice prepares its case.
Chappelle, who joined the Air Force in 2019 and served as an aircraft inspection journeyman with the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, now faces the full weight of both military and civilian justice systems. The relationship between Chappelle and Sangrait remains unclear, adding to the mystery surrounding this tragic case.
Victim Found Months After Disappearance
The discovery of Sangrait’s body on March 4 by a hiker near Hill City ended months of uncertainty following her disappearance in August 2024. The location where her remains were found is approximately 50 miles from Ellsworth Air Force Base, raising questions about the sequence of events leading to her death.
Sangrait was reportedly last seen in Eagle Butte and had plans to travel to Box Elder before continuing to California. Authorities have not disclosed the cause of death or specific details about how the crime occurred, as the investigation continues to piece together the timeline of events.
“This investigation has been an excellent collaboration of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in our area,” stated the Sheriff’s Office in their public announcement about the case. The multi-agency investigation includes the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs, FBI, and U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
Military Leadership Responds
Ellsworth Air Force Base leadership has taken a firm stance on the allegations against one of their airmen.
“We hold airmen accountable for their actions, and if service members are found in violation of military or civilian law, they will be punished,” stated Col. Derek Oakley, Ellsworth Air Force commander.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office will handle the prosecution of Chappelle as the case moves forward through the federal justice system. Authorities continue to seek additional information from the public regarding Sangrait’s disappearance and death, with the Rapid City FBI office accepting tips at (605) 343-9632.
