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.
Subscribe to unlock this story
We really don't like cutting you off, but you've reached your monthly limit. At just $3/month or $30/year, subscriptions are how we keep this project going. Start your free 7-day trial today!
Get Started
There are 59 cases of missing Native Americans in South Dakota and more than half of them are women, according to the attorney general’s missing persons database.
South Dakota airman charged in killing of woman missing since August
Military Times·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
Rates of violence and murder against Native American and Alaska Native people in the U.S. — particularly women — .
A U.S. airman is charged in death of a South Dakota woman who had vanished in August
NPR·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.There are 59 cases of missing Native Americans in South Dakota and more than half of them are women, according to the attorney general’s missing persons database.
Airman charged in killing of Native American woman who went missing 7 months ago in South Dakota
Associated Press·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
Summary
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.
Perspectives
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.