Airman Charged in Murder of Missing Native American Woman in South Dakota
Quinterius Chappelle, a 24-year-old airman, faces second-degree murder charges in the death of 21-year-old Sahela Sangrait, who went missing in August.
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Overview
Quinterius Chappelle, a 24-year-old airman stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of 21-year-old Sahela Sangrait. Her remains were discovered in March, months after she was reported missing. Authorities have sealed court documents and his defense has declined to comment. The case highlights the broader issue of violence against Native American women, with South Dakota facing significant rates of missing Indigenous persons.
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Analysis
- Quinterius Chappelle, a 24-year-old airman, has been charged with second-degree murder for the death of Sahela Sangrait, a 21-year-old Native American woman who was reported missing last August.
- The investigation highlights the concerning trend of violence against Native American women, with federal and state efforts ongoing to address the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people.
- Chappelle's plea of not guilty suggests the case will be scrutinized in the legal system, while the military maintains accountability for its personnel under both military and civilian law.
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The relationship between Quinterius Chappelle and Sahela Sangrait has not yet been made clear by authorities.
Sahela Sangrait's body was discovered by a hiker on March 4, 2025, in an area south of Hill City, South Dakota, near the Pennington County and Cluster County line.
History
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