Jeremy Cuellar sentenced for the murder of Tyrone Hassel III

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich.—The man who pleaded guilty to second degree murder in the death of Tyrone Hassel III has been sentenced to 65 to 90 years in prison.

At the September 23 hearing, Cuellar was sentenced to a minimum of 65 years in prison. He was credited with 256 days time served.

Cuellar had been charged with first degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and felony firearm but with his plea agreement, the other two charges were dropped and he instead pleaded guilty to second degree murder.

Tyrone’s mother and father read victim impact statements at the sentencing.

During sentencing, Cuellar apologized to Tyrone’s family and the Army. At one point he was visibly upset and yelled an expletive.

Tyrone was shot and killed in front of his father’s house in Berrien County on December 31, 2018 while he was on leave from the military.

Tyrone’s wife, Kemia Hassel, and Cuellar were having an affair and killed Tyrone for the insurance money, according to the prosecutor’s statements made during Kemia’s trial.

Kemia was sentenced to life in prison on August 29. She was convicted of first degree murder and conspiracy in July.

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