An airman from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, is facing charges of second-degree murder in connection with the death of a missing woman. Quinterius Charles Chappelle, 24, was charged by the U.S. Attorney's Office and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann on March 17, 2025, where he pleaded not guilty.
The charges stem from the alleged killing of Sahela Toka Win Sangrait at Ellsworth Air Force Base in August 2024. Sangrait's remains were discovered earlier this month in a wooded area near Hill City, South Dakota.
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell commented on the swift action taken following the discovery of Sangrait’s body: "This charge, filed just ten days after the victim’s remains were discovered, reflects the dogged work of federal, state, and local law enforcement professionals who seamlessly collaborated to run down every lead with absolute expediency and care." She also emphasized that "under the criminal justice system, this charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is innocent until proven guilty."
If convicted, Chappelle faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment or a $250,000 fine. The potential sentence includes five years of supervised release and a $100 fee to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each count. Restitution may also be ordered.
The investigation into Sangrait's death involves multiple agencies including the FBI, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paige Petersen and Benjamin Schroeder are leading the prosecution.
Chappelle has been placed in custody under the U.S. Marshals Service while awaiting trial; no trial date has been set yet.