A specialized unit initially formed as a cold case task force has recently played a crucial role in securing a murder indictment against an active-duty airman. This airman stands accused of murdering a Native American woman who had gone missing.

Quinterius Chappelle, 24, serves as an aircraft inspection journeyman at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. On Thursday, he was indicted by a federal grand jury 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.

“It’s surprising how long he was able to go about his life as if nothing occurred,” Arroyo remarked. “He has outright denied ever knowing my sister. At the time of his initial arrest, he remained silent, not even inquiring about the reason for 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.