What Happened to Tyrone Hassel III? Background & 2024 Update

Tyrone Hassel III was a young, ambitious U.S. Army Sergeant, known for his dedication to service, his family, and his country. Born into a military family, Hassel had a deep-rooted respect for the armed forces from an early age. His decision to join the U.S. Army was driven by a desire to serve and protect, a testament to his strong character and sense of duty. Hassel was stationed with the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia, where he quickly rose through the ranks, earning the respect and admiration of his peers and superiors alike.

In addition to his military achievements, Tyrone was a devoted father and husband. He and his wife, Kemia Hassel, also an active-duty soldier, shared a nearly two-year-old son, bringing a sense of completeness to his life. Tyrone’s dedication to his family was evident in every aspect of his life, balancing his demanding military career with his role as a loving husband and father. His tragic death on New Year’s Eve 2018 sent shockwaves through his family, the military community, and all who knew him.

The Tragic Event

On the fateful night of December 31, 2018, Tyrone Hassel III’s life was brutally cut short in what appeared to be a meticulously planned ambush. After attending a family gathering, Hassel was returning to his father’s home in St. Joseph Township, Michigan, where he was staying for the holidays. Unbeknownst to him, a deadly plot conceived by his own wife and her lover awaited him. Tyrone was shot multiple times in the driveway of his father’s home, with fatal wounds to the neck, chest, and head. Despite the immediate response from law enforcement and medical personnel, he was pronounced dead at the hospital, leaving behind a grieving family and a bewildered community.

The subsequent investigation into Tyrone Hassel’s murder unraveled a sinister conspiracy involving his wife, Kemia Hassel, and Jeremy Cuellar, another soldier from Fort Stewart. The investigation revealed that the affair between Kemia and Cuellar was the motive behind the murder, with the two conspiring to kill Tyrone to be together and to claim a substantial life insurance payout from the Army.

The Investigation and Legal Proceedings

The break in the case came from an anonymous tip pointing investigators towards Kemia Hassel and Jeremy Cuellar. Further investigation uncovered the depth of their betrayal, with evidence indicating that the murder was not only premeditated but also part of a callous plan to secure financial benefits following Tyrone’s death. Kemia and Cuellar’s use of Snapchat to communicate their plans, under the misguided belief that their messages would leave no trace, ultimately played a crucial role in piecing together their involvement in the crime.

Jeremy Cuellar was arrested on January 11, following the murder, and later entered a plea deal, admitting to his role in the killing. He was sentenced to 65 to 90 years in prison, a reflection of the gravity of his actions and the loss of a promising young soldier. Kemia Hassel, found guilty of conspiracy and first-degree murder, received a life sentence without the possibility of parole. The trials exposed the harrowing details of the murder plot, leaving the Hassel family and the wider community to grapple with the betrayal and the senseless loss of Tyrone.

Legacy and Remembrance

Tyrone Hassel III is remembered as a hero, both for his service to his country and his unwavering commitment to his family. The tragic circumstances of his death have left a void in the hearts of those who knew him, but his legacy endures through the memories shared by friends, family, and fellow soldiers. The murder of Tyrone Hassel III serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the devastating impact of betrayal. His life and service continue to be honored, ensuring that his sacrifice is never forgotten.