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Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit investigating alleged military base killing

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Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit investigating alleged military base killing

A special unit that began as a cold case task force recently helped secure a murder indictment against an active-duty airman accused of killing a missing Native American woman.

Quinterius Chappelle, 24, an aircraft inspection journeyman stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, was indicted by a federal grand jury Thursday for the alleged murder of 21-year-old Sahela “Shy” Toka Win Sangrait, who friends and family told Fox News Digital was his girlfriend of about one year.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Missing and Murdered Unit (MMU) became involved in the case March 10, when a state lab confirmed a DNA sample from the body matched Sangrait, a registered tribal member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.

“At that point in time, our criminal investigators were notified and were brought online with it,” MMU Regional Agent In Charge Robert Schoeberl told Fox News Digital in an interview Friday.

Sahela “Shy” Sangrait was allegedly killed in August 2024. (Cassidy Wimble)

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ACTIVE-DUTY US AIRMAN CHARGED IN KILLING OF MISSING WOMAN ON MILITARY BASE

The unit originated as a cold case task force, part of operation “Lady Justice,” a multi-agency initiative established by the Trump administration in 2019 to improve the functioning of the criminal justice system and address the staggering number of missing and murdered Native Americans in tribal communities, according to Schoeberl. 

In February, the BIA announced the Office of Justice Services launched “Operation Spirit Return” in conjunction with MMU.

Homicide was among the top three most frequent causes of death among American Indian and Alaska Native females aged 15 to 24, as of 2019, according to data provided by the National Congress of American Indians. More than four in five indigenous women experience sexual violence in their lifetime.

The Not Invisible Act was also passed by Congress during Trump’s first term in 2020, aimed at addressing the rampant number of missing persons and murder and trafficking of American Indian and Alaska Native peoples.

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Sahela

Sahela Sangrait was a compassionate person with a “forgiving heart,” her sister says. (Cassidy Wimble)

“President Trump is the president of law and order, and he is always working to deliver justice for victims of violent crime,” White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly wrote in a statement to Fox News Digital.

According to a redacted indictment, Chappelle, an airman basic who has been in the service since 2019, allegedly “unlawfully, and with premeditation and with malice aforethought” killed Sangrait at Ellsworth Air Force Base on or about Aug. 11, 2024.

The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office said Sangrait, of Box Elder, was reported missing Aug. 10, just one day prior to when authorities claim she was killed.

Isabela Arroyo, Sangrait’s sister, told Fox News Digital Chappelle was verbally abusive toward Sangrait, who had a one-way plane ticket to move in with Arroyo and her husband in Colorado Sept. 6.

Ellsworth Air Force Base

Authorities determined the alleged murder occurred at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. (Ellsworth Air Force Base)

Sangrait told Chappelle she was going to go to Colorado for the birth of Arroyo’s son Sept. 27, her sister said. However, it is unclear if Chappelle found out about her plan to remain in Colorado.

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“She never got on the plane,” Arroyo said. “It was really hard. I had assumed that she had just chosen not to come anymore, and, unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.”

Sangrait’s body, discarded in a wooded area near the Pennington and Custer County line, was discovered by a hiker March 4, about seven months after her disappearance.

The sheriff’s office said the body was “badly decomposed” and there was “no identifying information available.” 

The cause of death has not yet been released.

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Quinterius Chappelle

Quinterius Chappelle, 24, is accused of first-degree murder.

Tayagonique McGloghlon, who met Sangrait in 2021 while participating in a program for young adults who recently aged out of foster care, told Fox News Digital the prospective nurse would call her every week, but, similar to Arroyo, the last she heard from Sangrait was Aug. 10.

“The last message I got from her was on Aug. 10, and she asked me if I was OK,” McGloghlon said. “The day before that, I called her about three times. The third time I called, it went straight to voicemail — like her phone had been turned off for me, which I thought was really weird. … It put me off in a weird way.”

McGloghlon said she tried sending Sangrait messages on social media, thinking maybe she had been blocked.

“I was like, ‘That’s not like her, especially when she always kept in contact with me,’” she said.

McGloghlon, who met Chappelle while he was dating one of her friends prior to Sangrait, said she always found him “a little bit weird” and “never liked him,” but Sangrait only told her good things.

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Sahela

Tayagonique McGloghlon, left, told Fox News Digital she and Sahela Sangrait would take walks together every day and share a jar of pickles at least once a week. (Tayagonique McGloghlon)

“I was devastated [when her remains were found],” McGloghlon said. “Honestly, I’ve never been more heartbroken. She’s the light in this world. She didn’t deserve that. … She was very spirited and such a good friend. She was a kind soul, just beautiful. I miss her so much. She was one of my best friends.”

Cassidy Wimble, another one of Sangrait’s friends, told Fox News Digital she had yet to meet Chappelle in person, but he was one of the first people she reached out to after the disappearance.

“He told me, ‘I don’t know anything. I wish we [could] find her,’” Wimble said. “He said the same thing to a few people.”

MMU investigators collaborate with the federal National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) database and Othram, a Texas-based company that specializes in forensic genetic genealogy, to identify human remains. 

“It’s more advanced forensic testing, which a lot of the evidence from this case will run through,” Schoeberl said.”[Othram] tests relatives, basically identifying you through your family members’ DNA. It’s been very beneficial in solving and helping solve cases recently.”

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The Bureau of Indian Affairs and Federal Bureau of Investigation assisted with the case.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs and FBI assisted with the case. (Bureau of Indian Affairs)

As part of the Sangrait investigation, the unit also interviewed witnesses, conducted searches and notified family of the death.

The MMU’s Victim Services Program continues to provide the family with daily updates as the investigation continues, and the unit remains in close contact with the FBI and other agencies assisting with the case.

U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota Alison J. Ramsdell said prosecutors will pursue justice “relentlessly.”

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota will now proceed with the prosecution of this tragic case and relentlessly pursue justice on behalf of the victim,” Ramsdell wrote in a statement to Fox News Digital.

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WIFE CONVICTED OF MURDERING ARMY SOLDIER HUSBAND AT HOME ON MILITARY BASE

Arroyo said it helps to know her sister will get justice and Chappelle is now in custody, unable to harm anyone else.

“It’s just how long he was able to walk around like nothing happened,” Arroyo said. “He has already denied even knowing my sister. When they initially arrested him, he didn’t say a word. He didn’t even ask why he was being arrested.”

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.

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Ellsworth Air Force Base

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

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.

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“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.

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Midwest

Hawley rebukes Democrats' heated rhetoric after attacks on ICE, border patrol facilities: 'Knock it off'

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Hawley rebukes Democrats' heated rhetoric after attacks on ICE, border patrol facilities: 'Knock it off'

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., had harsh words for Democratic colleagues employing heated rhetoric against immigration enforcement officers Tuesday following recent attacks on ICE and Border Patrol facilities in Texas.

Hawley told Fox News Digital in an interview that lawmakers need to turn their focus back to the needs of their constituents, rather than trying to make flash-in-the-pan headlines.

He specifically called out Democrats who have criticized ICE officers for wearing masks during their operations. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., accused officers of acting “like a terrorist force”

“Knock it off,” Hawley told his Democratic colleagues on Tuesday. “These are the same people who were in favor of masking our children. I don’t want to hear anything about ICE officers masking from them.”

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Sen. Josh Hawley speaks at an event touting the passage of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act in St. Louis, Missouri, on Tuesday, July 8 2025. (Fox News (Anders Hagstrom))

“We have a lot of rebuilding to do in America,” he added.

Hawley’s statement came just minutes after he touted the passage of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act as part of President Donald Trump’s Big, Beautiful Bill. Hawley helped shepherd the legislation alongside staunch Democrats like former Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., and members of the NAACP, among others.

His words echoed the sentiment expressed by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday, who urged Democrats to cool off their rhetoric.

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Leavitt urged Democrats like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., to set up a meeting with ICE and CBP agents.

“We certainly call on Democrats to tone down their rhetoric against ICE and Border Patrol agents, who, again, are everyday men and women. I would encourage AOC and other Democrats to actually meet with the United States Border Patrol,” Leavitt told reporters Monday.

“These are honorable Americans who are just simply trying to do their job to enforce the law. They go home to their families every night, just like we all do, and they deserve respect and dignity for trying to enforce our nation’s immigration laws and to remove public safety threats from our communities,” she added.

Active shooter killed in Texas by ICE officers

An active shooter armed with tactical gear and a rifle opened fire upon Border Patrol agents as they arrived at a Border Patrol annex facility in McAllen, TX in the Rio Grande Valley this morning. (ICE)

The conversation over Democratic rhetoric erupted in recent days after a pair of attacks on ICE and Border Patrol facilities in Texas.

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Agents and local police shot and killed the gunman who opened fire on Border Patrol agents in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley Monday, according to Department of Homeland Security officials. No officers were killed in the attack but one local police officer was shot.

 

That attack came on the heels of another shooting near ICE’s Prairieland Detention Facility on Friday, where a Texas police officer was shot in the neck.

Fox News’ Diana Stancy contributed to this report

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Detroit, MI

Detroit church holds vigil after member fatally stabbed; Legacy fund created for her 6 children

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Detroit church holds vigil after member fatally stabbed; Legacy fund created for her 6 children


DETROIT – Parishioners and community leaders are coming together at Divine Restoration Ministries tonight to call for an end to violence around the city.

Wednesday (July 16) night’s event comes after Jennifer Harris, a longtime member of the church, was stabbed to death by a coworker last week.

Her family was in attendance.

The church says her death will leave a big hole in the church community.

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“I have members that would come in when we would open up the doors of the church, she was the first person of contact as they seen her ready and smiling, which was contagious,” said Administrative Pastor, Divine Restoration Ministries, Dr. Tenisia Evans. “Her words that would be said when she came in were ‘God bless you’ and when people would be leaving were ‘Have a blessed day.’ So those are the things that we are going to miss about her. It’s a big void.”

The “Jennifer Harris Legacy Fund,” which has been set up to benefit Harris’ six children.

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Milwaukee, WI

13-year-old killed in ‘unintentional shooting,’ Milwaukee police say

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13-year-old killed in ‘unintentional shooting,’ Milwaukee police say


MILWAUKEE — A 13-year-old was killed in Milwaukee Wednesday night when a suspect negligently handled a firearm and unintentionally shot the victim, according to police.

The shooting occurred around 8:10 pm. Wednesday in the 3200 block of West Vliet Street.   

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. No additional suspects are being sought.

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The circumstances leading up to the shooting are under investigation. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Milwaukee Police at (414) 935-7360 or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-TIPS or P3 Tips

This is a developing story. Continue following TMJ4 on air and online for updates.

Watch: 13-year-old killed in ‘unintentional shooting,’ Milwaukee police say

13-year-old killed in ‘unintentional shooting,’ Milwaukee police say

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