HILL CITY, SD – A somber discovery has brought closure to a months-long search in South Dakota. A woman who vanished in August has been found dead, and an active-duty Air Force member is now facing murder charges.
The remains of Sahela “Shy” Sangrait, 21, were uncovered by a hiker in a remote area near Hill City earlier this month. Sangrait had been reported missing by her family on August 10, 2024. After a thorough investigation, authorities confirmed the identity of the body, setting off a chain of events that led to an arrest.
Quinterius Chappelle, 24, an enlisted airman, has been detained on charges of second-degree murder. The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office announced his arrest on Saturday, noting the federal nature of the case due to the alleged circumstances surrounding Sangrait’s death at Ellsworth Air Force Base near Rapid City.
As the investigation progresses, Chappelle remains in custody without bail, pending transfer under the U.S. Marshals Service. Federal prosecutors in South Dakota are expected to handle the case, reflecting its serious implications.
The probe into Sangrait’s disappearance involved multiple agencies, including the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, FBI, and Air Force Office of Special Investigations, all working to piece together what happened.
Information revealed in a missing persons notice at the time of Sangrait’s disappearance suggested she had plans to visit Box Elder to collect belongings before traveling to California. However, it remains unclear if she ever reached her destination. Box Elder is a short distance from the Air Force base, raising questions about her last movements.
Details regarding the connection between Chappelle and Sangrait have yet to be fully outlined by officials. However, Colonel Derek Oakley, the commander at Ellsworth Air Force Base, emphasized that military personnel would face repercussions if found guilty of legal violations, expressing condolences to Sangrait’s family and friends.
During the search for Sangrait, her family reportedly faced challenges in filing a missing persons report. Friends attempted to assist after initial attempts by Sangrait’s family were allegedly met with difficulties, they said. A GoFundMe page established for funeral expenses alluded to perceived failures by local authorities to properly investigate her disappearance promptly.
As the case unfolds, the community is left grappling with the realities of this tragic closure and the ongoing need for justice.