Sergeant Tyrone Hassel Killed on New Year’s Eve in Benton Harbor Michigan

The murder of Sergeant Tyrone Hassel on December 31, 2018, sent shockwaves through Benton Harbor, Michigan, and the entire nation. What initially appeared to be a senseless shooting soon revealed a web of deceit, betrayal, and a fatal love triangle. Sergeant Hassel, a dedicated U.S. Army soldier, husband, and father, was gunned down in a plot orchestrated by none other than his wife, Kemia Hassel, and her lover, Jeremy Cuellar, a fellow soldier.

This chilling case of love, greed, and betrayal captivated the public’s attention and showcased the darker side of human relationships. In this article, we will explore the events leading up to the murder, the investigation, the shocking trial, and the aftermath of this tragic story.

Who Was Sergeant Tyrone Hassel III?

Sergeant Tyrone Hassel III was a 23-year-old U.S. Army soldier who was deeply respected by his family, friends, and fellow servicemen. Originally from Benton Harbor, Michigan, Tyrone was known for his loyalty, kindness, and strong sense of duty.

Tyrone had a promising career in the military. He was deployed to South Korea and later stationed at Fort Stewart in Georgia. A devoted husband and father, Tyrone worked hard to provide for his wife, Kemia Hassel, and their young son.

On the night of December 31, 2018, Tyrone returned home to Benton Harbor to celebrate the New Year with his family. However, what was supposed to be a joyful family reunion quickly turned into a nightmare that left the entire community in mourning.

The Murder on New Year’s Eve

On the night of December 31, 2018, Sergeant Tyrone Hassel was ambushed outside his father’s home in Benton Harbor, Michigan. After spending time with his family and celebrating the New Year, Tyrone stepped outside to bring food to his wife, Kemia, who was waiting in their car. It was then that he was ambushed.

As Tyrone approached the car, Jeremy Cuellar, a fellow soldier and Kemia’s secret lover, emerged from the shadows and opened fire. Multiple gunshots were heard, and Tyrone collapsed to the ground. He was shot in the head, neck, and chest, suffering fatal injuries. Emergency services arrived on the scene, but it was too late. Tyrone was pronounced dead, leaving his family in shock and disbelief.

At first, the community believed it was a random act of gun violence. Benton Harbor, like many areas in Michigan, had its share of crime. However, the true story behind Tyrone’s death would soon be exposed — and it was far more sinister than anyone could have imagined.

The Shocking Discovery of the Murder Plot

The investigation into Tyrone Hassel’s murder took a dramatic turn when police began to examine the people closest to him, including his wife, Kemia Hassel. Initially, Kemia played the role of a grieving widow, mourning the loss of her husband. However, as detectives dug deeper, inconsistencies in her story began to surface.

Police obtained Kemia’s phone records, which revealed an unusual amount of communication between Kemia and another soldier stationed at Fort Stewart — Jeremy Cuellar. The volume of text messages and phone calls, especially in the hours leading up to the murder, raised suspicion. Investigators discovered that Kemia and Cuellar had been having an affair while stationed at Fort Stewart.

Their investigation also uncovered a series of incriminating messages between Kemia and Cuellar discussing the murder plot. They had meticulously planned to kill Tyrone so that they could be together and collect the $400,000 life insurance payout from his military death benefits.

As investigators pieced together the timeline, they discovered that Kemia and Cuellar had plotted for weeks, exchanging details on when and how the attack should occur. Their plan centered around New Year’s Eve, as they believed Tyrone would be vulnerable while spending time with family in Benton Harbor. Cuellar traveled from Georgia to Michigan, lay in wait, and carried out the plan exactly as Kemia had instructed.

The Arrests and Charges

With mounting evidence against them, both Kemia Hassel and Jeremy Cuellar were arrested. Kemia was arrested on January 12, 2019, and charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Jeremy Cuellar, meanwhile, was charged with the same offenses.

When confronted by police, Cuellar confessed to his role in the crime and implicated Kemia as the mastermind behind the entire plot. His confession provided investigators with critical insight into the details of the murder, including how Kemia had manipulated him into participating.

Their motive was clear: financial gain. By murdering Tyrone, Kemia stood to collect $400,000 in military life insurance benefits. Investigators learned that Kemia had encouraged Cuellar to commit the crime by promising that they would be together after Tyrone’s death.

Both suspects were held without bond as prosecutors prepared their case. The trial that followed would become one of the most high-profile murder trials in Michigan in recent years.

The Trial of Kemia Hassel and Jeremy Cuellar

The trial of Kemia Hassel took place in August 2019. During the proceedings, prosecutors presented overwhelming evidence against her. This included text messages, call records, and surveillance footage showing Cuellar’s presence near the crime scene. But perhaps the most damning evidence was Jeremy Cuellar’s testimony.

Cuellar testified in court that Kemia was the mastermind of the plot. He revealed the extent of her involvement, from planning the attack to giving him instructions on how to carry it out. His detailed testimony, along with the forensic evidence, left little doubt in the minds of the jurors.

Despite her defense team’s efforts to portray her as a loving mother and innocent bystander, Kemia was found guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. She was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Jeremy Cuellar, having cooperated with law enforcement and pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, was given a lighter sentence. His testimony played a crucial role in Kemia’s conviction, though he, too, received a significant prison sentence.

The Aftermath of the Murder

The murder of Sergeant Tyrone Hassel left a lasting impact on his family, the Benton Harbor community, and the military community at large. Tyrone’s parents, who had initially believed Kemia was a grieving widow, were devastated by the betrayal. Their sense of loss was compounded by the revelation that the mother of their grandchild had conspired to kill their son.

The case highlighted the dark reality of financial greed and betrayal within relationships. It also shed light on how unchecked jealousy and infidelity can escalate into deadly outcomes. Kemia’s decision to conspire with Cuellar to murder Tyrone shattered a family and left their young son without both parents.

Tyrone’s family established memorials in his honor, and his story became a cautionary tale about trust, relationships, and greed. Today, his legacy lives on through his loved ones, who continue to advocate for stronger support systems for military families dealing with mental health, jealousy, and domestic issues.

Lessons from the Case of Tyrone Hassel

The murder of Sergeant Tyrone Hassel III serves as a tragic reminder of the potential dangers that exist within personal relationships. While love and trust are supposed to form the foundation of a marriage, greed, betrayal, and selfish desires can turn love into something much darker.

The case also highlights the role that financial incentives, such as life insurance payouts, can play in motivating crimes. Prosecutors pointed to the $400,000 military death benefit as a primary reason for Kemia’s actions. This case serves as a warning about the need for oversight and caution in relationships where significant financial benefits exist.

Finally, Tyrone’s murder underscores the importance of vigilance in military families and the role of mental health support for soldiers and their loved ones. Military deployments, extended absences, and relationship strain can create environments ripe for jealousy and infidelity, which can, in rare cases, escalate to dangerous outcomes.

Conclusion

The murder of Sergeant Tyrone Hassel on December 31, 2018, is a heart-wrenching story of betrayal, greed, and the ultimate pursuit of justice. Tyrone, a dedicated soldier and loving father, was robbed of his future by the very person he trusted most — his wife, Kemia Hassel.

The meticulous planning of his murder, fueled by the promise of a life insurance payout, revealed the lengths to which greed can drive people. Thanks to the work of law enforcement and the testimony of Jeremy Cuellar, Kemia was brought to justice, ensuring that Tyrone’s legacy would not be forgotten.

This story continues to serve as a chilling reminder of the dark potential of human betrayal. It also underscores the importance of love, loyalty, and the enduring pursuit of justice for victims of violent crime. For Tyrone’s family, his memory lives on as they continue to honor his legacy as a father, husband, and soldier.