A tragedy unfolds at Ellsworth Air Force Base as authorities investigate the death of 21-year-old Sahela Sangrait, whose decomposed remains were discovered in early March.
According to the New York Post, Airman Quinterius Chappelle, 24, faces federal second-degree murder charges following the discovery of Sangrait's body approximately 50 miles from the military installation where investigators believe she was killed.
The victim, a Native American resident of Box Elder, was initially reported missing in August 2024 after traveling from Eagle Butte to collect personal belongings before a planned trip to California. Her remains were found by a hiker on March 4 near the Pennington and Custer county lines, south of Hill City.
Military accountability and base command response
Ellsworth Air Force Base commander Col. Derek Oakley addressed the gravity of the situation. He emphasized the military's commitment to holding service members accountable for their actions:
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 Department of Justice has taken charge of prosecuting the case against Chappelle, who joined the Air Force in 2019. The accused serves as an aircraft inspection journeyman with the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.
Investigation details and victim background
Law enforcement officials have yet to disclose crucial details about the case, including the exact circumstances of Sangrait's death and any potential connection between the victim and the accused. The Pennington County Sheriff's Office maintains discretion regarding the relationship between Chappelle and Sangrait.
The investigation spans multiple jurisdictions, involving both civilian and military authorities. The discovery location of Sangrait's remains, approximately 50 miles from where authorities believe the murder occurred, suggests a complex investigation.
The victim's last known movements indicate she was staying with a friend in Eagle Butte before traveling to Box Elder. This small community sits just miles from Ellsworth Air Force Base, where the alleged murder took place.
Legal proceedings and custody status
The federal prosecution reflects the serious nature of the charges and the location of the alleged crime on military property. Chappelle remains in custody at the county jail while awaiting further legal proceedings.
The case has drawn attention to security protocols and civilian access to military installations. The circumstances surrounding how Sangrait accessed the base, if she did, remain unclear.
The investigation continues as authorities piece together the timeline between Sangrait's disappearance in August and the discovery of her remains seven months later.
Case aftermath and pending resolution
Quinterius Chappelle, an active Air Force airman with six years of service, faces federal second-degree murder charges in connection with the death of Sahela Sangrait. The 21-year-old victim's remains were discovered by a hiker near Hill City, South Dakota, approximately 50 miles from Ellsworth Air Force Base where investigators believe she was killed.
The Department of Justice will prosecute the case as authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sangrait's death, including establishing a precise timeline and any potential relationship between the accused and the victim.
