ON December 31, 2018, police responded to a call that U.S. Army Sergeant Tyrone Hassel III was shot dead in front of his father’s Michigan home.
With his murder being the subject of ABC’s 20/20, many want to know more about Tyrone Hassel III and what happened to him.
Who was Tyrone Hassel III?
Tyrone Hassel III was a U.S. Army Sergeant born on August 23, 1995, in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
According to his obituary, Hassel received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Grand Valley State University.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army where he met his wife, Kemia Martin, who also served in the Army.
The two tied the knot on May 17, 2017, and later welcomed a son named Tyrone Hassel IV.
Prior to his death, Hassel and his family resided in Hinesville, Georgia.
The obituary described Toby as having “a jovial personality and loved having a good time, whether he was playing pool, basketball, baseball or taking care of his dogs.
“Tyrone enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, he had a true zeal for life.”
What happened to Tyrone Hassel III?
On New Year’s Eve in 2018, police received a call around 11 pm from Hassel’s wife asking for help as her husband had been shot.
The couple had been staying at Hassel’s father’s house in St. Joseph Township, Michigan for the holidays.
When authorities showed up, they found Hassel shot dead in the driveway.
Following an investigation into Hassel’s murder, police received a tip 11 days later leading them to Hassel’s wife and her lover, Jeremy Cuellar, who was also a soldier.
Martin plotted with Cuellar to murder Hassel. Together, the couple were charged with first-degree premeditated murder.
Additionally, Cuellar faced a firearm count for being the one who pulled the trigger.
Why did Kemia Hassel and Jeremy Cuellar plan the murder of Tyrone?
Following a videotaped interview, Martin revealed the two plotted to murder Hassel to not only be together but to collect Hassel’s $400,000 life insurance benefit.
During the interview, Martin said: “I’m just as guilty as he is.” She also admitted to informing Cuellar about Hassel’s whereabouts multiple times.
According to court documents, Cuellar visited Michigan four times between December 19 and December 30, 2018.
Throughout that time, the two tried to plan the murder discussing the diabolical plot via Snapchat.
After the murder was carried out and they were charged, Hassel’s father revealed Martin and Cuellar were both dishonorably discharged.
Following their verdict, Hassel’s mom, Lashanda Jones spoke to Martin directly saying: “I want you to spend every day suffering behind bars for the rest of your life, and I hope every time you close your eyes, my son tap you on the shoulders and smile,” as per ABC57.
“You killed my son without emotion or pity. He was something to everybody he met. But to you he was expendable he was a check. $400,000 check.”
Hassel’s murder is set to be the subject of ABC’s 20/20 on February 16, 2024. Viewers can watch the episode via ABC at 9 pm ET.