The chilling murder of U.S. Army Sergeant Tyrone Hassel III remains one of the most disturbing cases of betrayal within a military family in recent years. The case, later examined in the true-crime docuseries Killer Cases, reveals how obsession, deception, and calculated violence led to the tragic death of a young soldier whose life was filled with promise.

This in-depth look at the Tyrone Hassel III murder case explores the events of New Year’s Eve 2018, the shocking conspiracy behind the killing, and the courtroom battle that ultimately delivered justice.

Who Was Sgt. Tyrone Hassel III?

At just 23 years old, Sgt. Hassel had already built a life centered on service, discipline, and family. Stationed at Fort Stewart in Georgia, he was known among fellow soldiers as dedicated and focused. More importantly, he was a loving husband and father, devoted to providing a stable future for his young son.

On December 31, 2018, Hassel returned to his hometown of Sumpter Township, Michigan, to celebrate New Year’s Eve with family. What was meant to be a joyful holiday visit would instead become the final night of his life.

The Night of the Shooting

Late in the evening on December 31, frantic 911 calls shattered the quiet of the Hassel household. On the other end of the line was Kemia Hassel, Sgt. Hassel’s wife, her voice trembling as she told dispatchers her husband had been shot outside his father’s home.

When police arrived, they found Sgt. Hassel lying in the driveway, struck multiple times by gunfire. Emergency responders worked quickly, but the wounds were fatal.

From the outset, investigators sensed that this was no random act of violence. There were no signs of robbery, no obvious altercation, and no immediate suspect fleeing the scene. The targeted nature of the shooting raised serious questions.

From Tragedy to Suspicion

Initially treated as a homicide requiring answers, the investigation soon took a dramatic turn. Detectives reviewed security footage, interviewed neighbors, and analyzed digital communications. Slowly, evidence began pointing not to a stranger, but to someone within Hassel’s inner circle.

Authorities uncovered that Kemia Hassel had been involved in an extramarital affair with fellow soldier Jeremy Cuellar, a specialist stationed at the same Army base in Georgia.

Witnesses later told investigators that Cuellar had openly expressed hostility toward Sgt. Hassel. Some reported hearing him claim that Hassel “had to go,” statements that would later prove critical in court.

The Conspiracy Uncovered

Phone records revealed frequent communication between Kemia and Cuellar in the hours leading up to the murder. Cell tower data placed Cuellar near the crime scene on the night of the shooting. Forensic evidence further connected him to the area.

Investigators concluded that the murder was not a spontaneous act of jealousy, but a premeditated conspiracy. According to testimony presented later, Kemia had discussed plans to eliminate her husband so she could pursue her relationship with Cuellar freely.

One fellow soldier told authorities that Cuellar had described details of the shooting, including firing multiple shots and ensuring Sgt. Hassel was dead. These statements added powerful weight to the prosecution’s case.

As evidence mounted, law enforcement closed in. Cuellar initially refused to cooperate. Under mounting pressure, however, Kemia eventually confessed to her role in orchestrating the plot.

Arrests and Charges

Both Kemia Hassel and Jeremy Cuellar were arrested and charged in connection with the murder of Sgt. Tyrone Hassel III. The case quickly drew national attention due to the shocking betrayal at its core — a soldier allegedly murdered at the direction of his own spouse.

Prosecutors argued that the killing was carefully planned. Communication records, witness statements, and signed documentation outlined the conspiracy in chilling detail. The defense attempted to portray Kemia as emotionally distressed and manipulated, but investigators maintained that the evidence demonstrated deliberate intent.

The Trial and Verdict

In 2019, the case moved to trial. Prosecutors presented extensive evidence, including phone data, location tracking, forensic analysis, and witness testimony from fellow soldiers.

On July 18, 2019, a jury found Kemia Hassel guilty of first-degree premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit murder. She was later sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Jeremy Cuellar pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. On August 29, 2019, he received a sentence of 65 to 90 years in prison — effectively ensuring he will spend the remainder of his life behind bars.

The verdicts provided a measure of justice, but they could not undo the devastation inflicted on the Hassel family.

The Impact on Family and Community

The emotional toll of the Tyrone Hassel III murder case continues to reverberate. Hassel’s father publicly expressed profound grief and disbelief that someone trusted within the family could orchestrate such a crime.

Perhaps most heartbreaking is the lasting impact on Sgt. Hassel’s young son, who now grows up without his father. The child currently resides with Kemia’s mother, a complex and painful reminder of the tragedy’s ripple effects.

The case also deeply affected the military community at Fort Stewart, where fellow service members struggled to reconcile the brutal betrayal with the values of loyalty and honor central to military life.

A Legacy Beyond the Crime

While the murder itself remains shocking, Sgt. Hassel’s legacy extends far beyond the circumstances of his death. Family and friends continue to remember him as a committed soldier, loving father, and ambitious young man who believed in building a brighter future.

The episode of Killer Cases dedicated to this tragedy highlights not only the investigative breakthroughs but also the human cost of betrayal. Through interviews, 911 recordings, and expert commentary, the series underscores how calculated violence can dismantle families and communities in an instant.

A Crime That Changed Lives Forever

The murder of Tyrone Hassel III stands as a stark reminder that danger does not always come from strangers. Sometimes, it emerges from within the closest circle of trust.

This case illustrates how jealousy, deception, and ambition can escalate into irreversible violence. It also demonstrates the critical role of modern investigative tools — from digital records to forensic analysis — in uncovering the truth.

Though his life was cut tragically short, the pursuit of justice ensured accountability for those responsible. Sgt. Tyrone Hassel III’s story continues to be told not only as a true-crime headline, but as a solemn reminder of the consequences of betrayal and the enduring importance of truth.