Alison J. Ramsdell U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota
An airman stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, has been charged with Second Degree Murder in connection to the death of a missing woman. The United States Attorney's Office announced the charge against Quinterius Charles Chappelle, 24, who appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann on March 17, 2025, and entered a plea of not guilty.
If convicted, Chappelle faces a maximum sentence of life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine. Additional penalties include five years of supervised release and a $100 contribution to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each count. Restitution may also be ordered by the court.
The complaint accuses Chappelle of killing Sahela Toka Win Sangrait on Ellsworth Air Force Base in August 2024. Her body was discovered earlier this month in a wooded area near Hill City, South Dakota.
"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," stated Alison Ramsdell, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota. She emphasized that under the criminal justice system "this charge is merely an accusation" and highlighted that "the defendant is innocent until proven guilty." Ramsdell extended condolences to Sangrait's family and friends during their time of grief.
The investigation 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 remains in custody under the supervision of the U.S. Marshals Service as he awaits trial; no date has been set for proceedings.
