St. Joseph Township, Michigan – The murder of Army Sgt. Tyrone Hassel III on New Year’s Eve 2018 sent shockwaves through his community and the nation. As he stood near his vehicle in his father’s driveway, he was shot multiple times. The tragedy prompted a frantic 911 call from his wife, Army Spc. Kemia Hassel, who was inside the home at the time. This case would eventually uncover a chilling secret – Kemia and a secret lover had plotted the murder of her husband from their military base.
The victim’s father, Tyrone Hassel Jr, recalled his son’s decision to enlist in the military while in college, driven by a desire for a better life. Sgt. Hassel had met Kemia in the Army while they were stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado, and their relationship quickly became serious. The couple was on leave from Fort Stewart in Georgia, where Kemia worked as a truck driver and Sgt. Hassel as a wheel mechanic, at the time of the murder.
As investigators delved into the case, they learned of Sgt. Hassel’s wife’s affair with another soldier, Spc. Jeremy Cuellar. It was revealed that Cuellar had expressed a desire for Sgt. Hassel to be eliminated. This led to the discovery that Cuellar had obtained two guns from another soldier, one of which matched the caliber used to kill Sgt. Hassel.
Despite Kemia’s repeated denials of involvement in the murder, evidence from phone records and a recorded confession eventually led to her arrest. She admitted to her affair with Cuellar and her role in the murder of her husband. Both Kemia and Cuellar were convicted of first-degree premeditated murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
The tragic story serves as a chilling reminder of the lengths to which some may go to fulfill their sinister desires, even at the expense of an innocent life. It offers a sobering look at the consequences of betrayal and manipulation, leaving an indelible mark on all those involved. From the victim’s grieving family to the heartbroken son left without his father, the impact of this senseless tragedy will be felt for years to come.