A U.S. Air Force member has been arrested in connection with the murder of Sahela Sangrait, whose body was discovered nearly seven months after she was reported missing. Authorities arrested Quinterius Chappelle, a 24-year-old active-duty airman stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) announced the arrest on March 15, stating that Chappelle was taken into custody on federal charges for second-degree murder. He was booked into the Pennington County Jail on March 14 at 11:41 p.m., according to jail records.
The investigation into Sangrait’s disappearance intensified after a hiker found human remains south of Hill City, South Dakota, earlier this month. Law enforcement later identified the remains as Sangrait’s and officially classified the case as a homicide on March 12. Investigators determined that the murder took place at Ellsworth Air Force Base, which placed the case under federal jurisdiction. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will handle the prosecution.
The PCSO noted that the investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations. At this time, it is unclear whether Chappelle has legal representation.
Sangrait was first reported missing on August 10, 2024. According to a missing persons alert, she had been staying with a friend in Eagle Butte before planning to travel to Box Elder to retrieve some belongings for an upcoming trip to California. After her departure, there was no further contact.
A GoFundMe campaign was created following the identification of her remains to help with funeral expenses. The fundraiser described Sangrait, who was also known as “Shy,” as a kind and resilient person who faced life’s challenges with a positive attitude. It highlighted her intelligence, wit, and inclusive spirit, noting that those who knew her felt fortunate to have been part of her life.
