“Love. Honor. Betray”: ’20/20′ Investigates Tyrone Hassel III Homicide February 16 2024

The Tragic Event

On New Year’s Eve 2018, a distressing 911 call marked the beginning of a somber tale of deceit and murder. Kemia Hassel reported her husband, Sergeant Tyrone Hassel III, shot dead. Initially perceived as a grieving widow, Kemia’s facade soon crumbled as investigations revealed her involvement in orchestrating her husband’s murder, with Jeremy Cuellar as the gunman.

The trio, stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, in the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, had their lives entangled in a web of illicit affairs and dark conspiracies. The affair between Kemia Hassel and Jeremy Cuellar, rooted in their time overseas in South Korea, evolved into a deadly plot fueled by greed and the desire for a life insurance payout. The meticulously planned murder unfolded with Kemia’s guidance and Cuellar’s trigger hand, ending Tyrone Hassel’s life and shattering the lives of those he left behind.

The Investigation and Trial

The swift unraveling of the murder plot highlighted the dedication of law enforcement and the judicial system in seeking justice for Tyrone Hassel. The investigation utilized modern technology, including Snapchat messages and recorded conversations, to piece together the conspiracy. These evidences were pivotal in the trial, showcasing the depth of Kemia and Cuellar’s betrayal.

Kemia Hassel faced the gravity of her actions in court, receiving a life sentence without parole, a testament to the severity of her crime. Jeremy Cuellar, after a plea deal, was sentenced to 65 to 90 years, his remorseful apologies to Tyrone’s father during a jail visit offering a glimpse into his troubled conscience. The trial brought legal closure, yet the emotional and psychological scars borne by the victim’s family remain indelible.

The Aftermath

The aftermath of this harrowing case left a family grappling with loss and a community in shock. Tyrone Hassel’s parents confronted their son’s killers in court, expressing their profound grief and the irreplaceable void left by their son’s murder. The sentences handed down to Kemia and Cuellar brought a measure of justice, yet the broader questions about loyalty, love, and the human capacity for betrayal linger.

“Love. Honor. Betray.” is more than just a recounting of a tragic murder; it is a powerful narrative about the complexities of human emotions, the dark potential of betrayal, and the quest for justice in the aftermath of unfathomable loss. Tune in to ABC’s “20/20” on February 16 for an episode that promises to be both enlightening and heart-wrenching, offering a comprehensive exploration of a case that shocked and saddened all who came to know it.