A cold case task force that was initially established as a special unit has recently played a vital role in obtaining a murder indictment against an active-duty airman who is accused of the murder of a missing Native American woman.
The individual in question is Quinterius Chappelle, a 24-year-old aircraft inspection journeyman who is currently stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. Chappelle was formally indicted by a federal grand jury on Thursday for the alleged crime.
Arroyo said it helps to know her sister will get justice and Chappelle is now in custody, unable to harm anyone else.
“Arroyo expressed concern over the duration during which the accused was able to move freely without facing any consequences for his actions. According to Arroyo, Chappelle had previously denied any knowledge of his sister and remained silent when he was taken into custody, failing to inquire about the reasons behind his arrest.”
Chappelle is being held by the U.S. Marshals Service at the Pennington County Jail in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Fox News Digital obtained a scheduling and case management order signed by U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler, noting a jury trial is set for May 27.
Authorities allege Sahela Sangrait was killed at Ellsworth Air Force Base. (Ellsworth Air Force Base)
Attorney Gina Ruggieri, who filed a notice stating she would be representing Chappelle instead of his previously appointed public defender, did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Fort Ellsworth said it is working closely with area law enforcement agencies.
“First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of Sahela,” Col. Derek Oakley, 28th Bomb Wing commander, previously told Fox News Digital when Chappelle was initially charged with second-degree murder in a federal criminal complaint. “We hold Airmen accountable for their actions, and if service members are found in violation of military or civilian law, they will be punished.”
After the indictment, Fort Ellsworth officials, in response to a request for comment, referred Fox News Digital to the U.S. Attorney’s Office of South Dakota, citing the jurisdiction change.
Sahela Sangrait was found dead in March after disappearing in 2024. (Facebook/Bernice White Swan)
Wimble, who said she spoke with Sangrait every day, described her as one of the strongest people she knew.
“She was one of the most resilient people that I knew,” Wimble said. “You could knock her down, and like bowling pins, she’d stand up every single time. … She was very strong, and she knew herself more than anybody. She was the kindest person I knew. Especially with all the things that she’s gone through. … She’s everything to me. … She really deserved a life.”
The Air Force and Pennington County Sheriff’s Office declined Fox News Digital’s requests for comment.
The FBI and U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations did not immediately respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital.
