Federal Investigation into the Mysterious Death of South Dakota Woman: A Tragic Twist

A tragic case has recently come to light involving the death of 21-year-old Sahela Toka Win Sangrait, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Her remains were discovered by a hiker near Hill City, South Dakota, on March 4, 2025—seven months after she went missing. Sangrait was last seen in August 2024, leaving her home in Eagle Butte to travel to Box Elder. She had planned to retrieve some personal belongings before heading to California, but she never made it.

Her body was found about 50 miles from Ellsworth Air Force Base, where 24-year-old Airman Quinterius Chappelle, a member of the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, is stationed. The cause of her death has not been publicly disclosed, but authorities have charged Chappelle with second-degree murder. He was arrested on March 14, 2025, and is currently being held at the Pennington County Jail while awaiting federal prosecution.

Growing Concerns Over Violence Against Native American Women

The investigation into Sangrait’s death has quickly become a high-profile case, drawing the attention of both local and national authorities. It’s a joint effort by the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is also involved. In addition, the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit is helping with the investigation and providing victim services to Sangrait’s family.

This case has raised significant concerns about the alarming rates of violence faced by Native American women, particularly in South Dakota. Native American women are disproportionately affected by violence, with studies showing they experience higher rates of homicide than other groups. In fact, Native American people make up a large portion of missing persons cases in the state, further highlighting the importance of specialized investigations and resources for Indigenous communities.

As the case moves forward, there is an ongoing effort to ensure justice for Sangrait and raise awareness about the challenges faced by Native American women. The community continues to rally for greater protection and support for Indigenous peoples and calls for an end to the epidemic of violence that disproportionately affects them.