Where is Jeremy Cuellar Now? 2024 Update & Background

Jeremy Cuellar, a soldier in the U.S. Army, found himself embroiled in a tragic narrative far removed from the valor and integrity associated with military service. Serving in the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division alongside Kemia Hassel and her husband, Tyrone Hassel III, at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Cuellar’s career in the armed forces was overshadowed by his involvement in a grievous crime. His military journey, initially marked by the commitment to serve his country, took a dark turn, leading to actions that contradicted the very essence of the honor and duty espoused by the Army.

Cuellar’s life before the crime was characterized by the typical discipline and structure of a soldier. However, his decision to engage in an extramarital affair with Kemia Hassel and subsequently partake in the murder of Tyrone Hassel III cast a long shadow over his personal and professional life. This deviation from the path of honor not only ended a fellow soldier’s life but also marked the end of Cuellar’s own future as he knew it, transitioning from a defender of his country to a convict behind bars.

The Crime and Conviction

The murder of Tyrone Hassel III on New Year’s Eve 2018 was a calculated act, born out of a clandestine relationship between Jeremy Cuellar and Kemia Hassel. The plot to kill Tyrone was driven by a desire for Kemia to be with Cuellar and for the couple to benefit from the Army’s life insurance policy worth $400,000. Cuellar’s role in this sinister plan culminated in him pulling the trigger, an act that would seal his fate and forever change the lives of all involved.

In July 2019, facing overwhelming evidence and the prospect of a lengthy trial, Cuellar pled guilty to second-degree murder, accepting responsibility for his actions. His plea resulted in a sentence of 65 to 90 years in prison, a testament to the severity of his crime and the loss of Tyrone Hassel III. This sentencing marked the conclusion of a tragic saga, bringing a measure of justice to the victim’s family while also highlighting the irreversible consequences of Cuellar’s choices.

Appeals and Current Status

Following his conviction, Jeremy Cuellar sought to challenge the outcome of his case, engaging in a series of appeals that aimed to withdraw his guilty plea. His efforts, however, were met with denial at every level of the judicial system. In July 2020, a judge denied Cuellar’s initial request to withdraw his plea, a decision that was subsequently upheld by the Michigan Court of Appeals in November 2020. His final attempt to appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court also ended in denial, effectively closing any legal avenues for Cuellar to contest his conviction and sentence.

As of now, Jeremy Cuellar remains incarcerated, serving his sentence of 65 to 90 years in prison. His attempts to navigate the legal system in search of a different outcome have concluded, leaving him to face the consequences of his actions. The denial of his appeals by the highest court in Michigan underscores the gravity of his crime and the judicial system’s commitment to upholding the sentences handed down in cases of such serious nature. Cuellar’s story serves as a somber reminder of the devastating impact of personal choices, not only on the individuals directly involved but also on the wider community and the institutions they represent.