MMIP
Mar 12, 2026

Federal murder case moves forward in death of Sahela Toka Win Sangrait

Not guilty plea entered as agencies investigate and trial date is set


March 12, 2026

Federal proceedings continue in the murder case involving Sahela Toka Win Sangrait, 21, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe whose remains were discovered in March 2025 near Hill City, South Dakota, according to Native Sun News. Sangrait was reported missing Aug. 10, 2024. 

Quinterius Charles Chappelle, 24, an aircraft inspection journeyman stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base, has been federally charged in connection with Sangrait’s death and entered a not guilty plea during a March 28, 2025, arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann, according to Native Sun News. 

The investigation involves the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, FBI, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit. A jury trial is scheduled for May 26, after the court granted a 120-day continuance, according to Native Sun News.

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