ABC 20/20 “Love. Honor. Betray” February 16 2024 Recap & Preview

ABC’s 20/20 presents a riveting episode titled “Love. Honor. Betray,” airing on February 16, 2024. The episode delves into the tragic story of U.S. Army Sergeant Tyrone Hassel III, whose life was tragically cut short in a chilling murder plot orchestrated by his own wife, Kemia Hassel, and her lover, Jeremy Cuellar.

The narrative unfolds with a harrowing 911 call made by Kemia Hassel on New Year’s Eve 2018, reporting her husband’s fatal shooting. However, the investigation uncovers a shocking truth behind the facade of grief. Kemia, along with Cuellar, conspired to end Tyrone’s life to pursue their own selfish desires.

The episode offers a poignant insight into the devastating aftermath of deception and the enduring pain inflicted upon Tyrone’s loved ones. Viewers will be drawn into the intricate web of deceit, unraveling the complexities of love, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Tune in to ABC’s 20/20 on February 16 for a compelling exploration of this heartbreaking case.

What Happened to Tyrone Hassel III, Kemia Hassel & Jeremy Cuellar?

The case of Kemia Hassel and Jeremy Cuellar is a chilling narrative of how a clandestine relationship between two soldiers led to the premeditated murder of Sergeant Tyrone Hassel III, a respected member of the U.S. Army and a devoted father. The intricate details of the plot reveal a calculated and cold-hearted betrayal that culminated on New Year’s Eve 2018, tearing apart families and shocking the military community.

Kemia Hassel, the wife of the victim, and Jeremy Cuellar, her accomplice and lover, both served with Tyrone Hassel in the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia. Their affair, which began while stationed overseas in South Korea, laid the groundwork for a conspiracy driven by a desire to eliminate Tyrone Hassel and claim the substantial life insurance benefit provided by the Army.

The planning of the murder was meticulous, with Kemia Hassel leveraging technology to communicate with Cuellar. They used Snapchat, believing its ephemeral message feature would cover their tracks. Over several visits to Michigan in December 2018, they attempted to finalize their plans for the murder, demonstrating a persistent intent to follow through with their grim objective.

On the night of the murder, after attending a family gathering, Tyrone Hassel was ambushed and fatally shot by Cuellar, who had been lying in wait. Kemia’s call to 911, feigning distress and shock at her husband’s shooting, was a calculated move to mask her involvement in the crime. However, the investigation quickly unraveled the truth behind the murder, leading to their arrest and subsequent trial.

During the trial, the depth of their betrayal was laid bare. Kemia Hassel’s own admissions and the evidence presented, including Snapchat messages and a recorded jail phone conversation, painted a damning picture of her guilt. Cuellar, in a bid for leniency and perhaps driven by a semblance of remorse, agreed to plead guilty to second-degree murder, hoping to atone for his actions by speaking directly to the victim’s father, Tyrone Hassel Jr. His apologies, captured during a jail visit, offered a glimpse into his state of mind, yet fell short of providing solace to the grieving family.

The trials culminated in Kemia Hassel receiving a life sentence without parole and Jeremy Cuellar receiving a sentence of 65 to 90 years in prison. Their convictions brought legal closure to the case but left lingering questions about the motives and mental states that drive individuals to commit such heinous acts against those they once claimed to love.

The aftermath of the crime saw the victim’s family grappling with their immense loss and betrayal. The victim’s mother and father expressed their anguish and despair in court, confronting Kemia Hassel and highlighting the irrevocable damage caused by her actions. Their words underscored the tragedy of a young life taken too soon and a family forever altered by a senseless act of violence.