HILL CITY, SD – An active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force has been arrested and charged with the second-degree murder of a 21-year-old woman who had been missing since last August, law enforcement officials reported. The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Quinterius Chappelle, faces federal charges in connection with the death following the recent discovery of the woman’s remains near Hill City.
Sahela “Shy” Sangrait, the victim, had been unaccounted for since August 10, 2024. Her body was found on March 4 by a hiker in a decomposed state, which initially complicated identification efforts. Further investigation confirmed the identity as Sangrait, and authorities believe the murder took place at Ellsworth Air Force Base, thus falling under federal jurisdiction.
Following the identification, Chappelle was taken into custody and is currently being held without bond. He has been transferred to federal custody under the oversight of the U.S. Marshals Service.
The United States Attorney’s Office in South Dakota is preparing to prosecute the case, bolstered by contributions from multiple agencies including the FBI, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
Prior to her disappearance, Sangrait, originally from Eagle Butte, was reportedly collecting her belongings from a residence in Box Elder, close to the air base, amid plans to relocate to California. It remains uncertain if she ever left South Dakota.
The response to Sangrait’s disappearance has sparked criticism, particularly from her family. They voiced concerns over the initial handling of her case by local authorities, alleging that reports of her missing status were inadequately addressed. A GoFundMe page has since been set up to cover funeral expenses and bring attention to these grievances.
Colonel Derek Oakley, commander at Ellsworth Air Force Base, extended his condolences to Sangrait’s family and affirmed the base’s commitment to justice. “Our thoughts are with Sahela’s family and friends,” he commented. “We ensure our service members are held to account for any violations of military or civilian law.”
This case has shed light on broader issues related to the treatment of missing indigenous persons—a category Sangrait belonged to—in the region. The apparent lag in responsive law enforcement has amplified discussions about the challenges faced by indigenous communities, casting a spotlight on systemic issues that may affect how such cases are handled.
As the legal process unfolds, there is a community-wide call for thoroughness in the continued investigation into Sangrait’s untimely death. With the prosecution moving forward, many hope for justice for Sangrait and a resolution that might offer some peace to her loved ones amidst their profound loss.