Sahela Toka Win Sangrait Federal murder case proceeds

ALBUQUERQUE —The family of Sahela Toka Win Sangrait (Sha-hee-la Tok-a Win San-griet) affectionately known as “Shy”, 21, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, continues to seek justice as federal proceedings move forward in the prosecution of the individual charged in her death.

The family is represented by Attorney Darlene Gomez, Esq., of the Law Offices of Darlene Gomez in Albuquerque, New Mexico, who is actively monitoring all criminal proceedings and advocating for the family’s rights throughout the federal judicial process.

Case Background: Ms. Sangrait was reported missing on August 10, 2024. Her remains were discovered on March 4, 2025, near Hill City, South Dakota, approximately 37 miles from Ellsworth Air Force Base.

Suspect: Quinterius Charles Chappelle, 24, an aircraft inspection journeyman stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base, has been federally charged in connection with Ms. Sangrait’s death.

During the federal arraignment and detention hearing held March 28, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann, the defendant entered a plea of Not Guilty.

According to sworn testimony presented at that hearing:

A hiker discovered a badly decomposed body near Hill City on March 4, 2025.

Dental comparison and later DNA testing confirmed the remains were those of Sahela Sangrait.

Investigators recovered a coffee table at the burial site, which matched end tables located inside Chappelle’s residence on Ellsworth Air Force Base.

Law enforcement testified that they received a call on the night of August 10, 2024 at approximately 8 pm, Special Forces at Ellsworth Air Force Base were called to Chappelle’s residence in response to a domestic assault call, however, Special Forces were unable to make contact with anybody at the residence.

Additionally, according to law enforcement testimony, Chappelle, in military uniform and accompanied by his military supervisor, appeared at the Rapid City Police Department on August 12, 2024, after Chappelle’s chain of command noticed him with scratches on his face and arms. When asked about his injuries, Chappelle indicated that he had been robbed the night prior, on August 11, 2024. However, Chappelle could not provide law enforcement with details regarding the alleged crime.

Testimony indicated Ms. Sangrait was believed to be in an abusive relationship with Chappelle according to her family. The same family member last had contact via text message with Sangrait the early morning hours of August 11, 2024.

Sangrait was allowed to visit Ellsworth Air Force Base, however, she did not obtain permission to live on base. The Office of Special Investigations later learned Sangrait would enter base in the trunk of Chappelle’s vehicle. The reason for this method is unknown.

The investigation involved 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.

During the detention hearing, the Court found that the weight of the evidence strongly supported detention and that the defendant posed a danger to the community. The United States sought pretrial detention, citing the severity of the offense and the risk of flight.

Trial Schedule Update: On December 11, 2025, the United States District Court for the District of South Dakota entered an Order Granting a 120-Day Continuance, allowing additional time for review of voluminous discovery, expert consultation, and mitigation preparation.

The Court established the following deadlines:

Expert witness disclosure: May 5, 2026

Motions in limine: May 19, 2026

Proposed jury instructions: May 19, 2026

Jury Trial: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.

The Court further ordered that the period of delay resulting from the continuance is excluded under 18

U.S.C. § 3161(h)(7)(A) in computing the time within which trial must commence.

Ongoing Investigation: Public reporting indicates that the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit (MMU) became involved following confirmation of Ms. Sangrait’s identity, underscoring the broader crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) cases nationwide.

The case remains under federal jurisdiction due to the alleged offense occurring on federal property at Ellsworth Air Force Base.

Statement from Counsel: Attorney Darlene Gomez stated: “The Sangrait family remains steadfast in their pursuit of truth and accountability. If authorities had exercised due diligence, Sahela could be alive today. We are closely monitoring all federal proceedings and will ensure that the family’s rights under the Crime Victims’ Rights Act are fully protected as this matter proceeds toward trial.”

Statement from the Sangrait Family: “The pain of losing Sahela is immeasurable, and yet, our family feels this case has not received the national attention it deserves. The suspect, an active duty aircraft inspection journeyman with the United States Air Force (Ellsworth Air Force Base), had a known past history of domestic violence and homicidal ideations. Had Sahela’s body not been discovered, her case, like countless others, would have likely never made it to the court system. Sahela’s story is tragically representative of the thousands of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR) cases that go overlooked every year. Our hope in seeking justice is not only for Sahela, but to gain national traction for this crisis, encouraging other individuals in abusive relationships or similar situations to speak up and seek help, so they never have to endure the nightmare we are living through.”

Interview Availability: The family and close friends of Sangrait, along with Attorney Darlene Gomez, Esq., are available for media interviews.

Additionally, organizations working closely with the family to raise awareness regarding the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) crisis may be available for comment regarding the broader implications of this case. All interview requests for the family and Attorney Gomez must be coordinated through the media contact listed below.

Social Media and Support: The family is committed to raising awareness and keeping the public informed. The case can be followed on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok using the username: @JusticeforSahelaSangrait

Additionally, a GoFundMe will be created to help the Sangrait family cover costs associated with the case and other critical needs.

Media Contact:
Tyus A. Ellison, Campaign Spokesperson Cell: (505) 320-3446
Email: TyusEllison@EllisonMediaNM.com

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