A 24-year-old Air Force member, Quinterius Chappelle, has been arrested for allegedly killing 21-year-old Sahela Sangrait at the Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. Authorities announced his arrest on Friday, charging him with second-degree murder.
Discovery of the Victim
Sangrait was reported missing in August 2023. On March 4, 2024, a hiker found her badly decomposed body near the Pennington and Custer county lines, about 50 miles away from the military base. Law enforcement has not yet shared details about how or when she was killed.
Legal Action
The U.S. Department of Justice will handle Chappelle’s prosecution. Ellsworth Air Force Base commander, Col. Derek Oakley, released a statement saying that service members are held accountable for their actions and will face consequences if they break the law.
Who Was Sahela Sangrait?
Sahela Sangrait was a Native American woman from Box Elder, South Dakota. Before she went missing, she had been staying with a friend in Eagle Butt. She had planned to return to Box Elder to pick up her belongings before traveling to California.
About the Suspect
Chappelle worked as an aircraft inspection journeyman with the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. He joined the Air Force in 2019 and is currently being held in county jail. Officials have not confirmed whether Chappelle and Sangrait knew each other before the incident.
Investigation Continues
Authorities are still investigating the case and have not yet provided a motive for the killing. More details may emerge as the case moves forward in court.
This tragic incident has raised concerns about safety and accountability within the military. The community awaits further updates as justice is pursued for Sangrait.
