Family trying to raise $100,000 as a reward for info on shooting that killed active military member

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- A family wants to find the person responsible for a New Year’s Eve shooting that left a 23-year-old active military member dead.

They are trying to raise $100,000 to offer as a reward to anyone that can give them information about the shooting.

“My son was amazing,” Tyrone Hassel Jr. said, the father of Tyrone Hassel III. “He left me as a proud father.”

Tyrone Hassel III was an active military member, visiting home for the holidays, when he was shot and killed just before midnight on New Year’s Eve outside of his parent’s home.

“Sergeant Hassel. That’s what I want everyone to remember him as and by,” Hassel Jr. said.  “He was active duty military. He stood up for our country. He fought for our country.”

His family doesn’t understand why anyone would want to kill him.

“We really, really don’t know why this would happen to him. So we want to know why and who did it.”

Saturday a vigil was held for Hassel III and a Go Fund Me was started, but the family won’t be keeping the money raised online.

“Whatever’s in there, I’m giving it all to whoever can find out who did this to my son,” Hassel Jr. said. “I’m devastated; I don’t think I’ve even told anybody happy new year yet.”

Police said Thursday that they believe Tyrone’s death was targeted and they’re looking for any information that could lead to an arrest.

Anyone with any information on who killed Tyrone Hassel III is urged to call the St. Joseph Township Police Department at (269)-429-6890 or Berrien County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-342-STOP.

For those who may be responsible, Tyrone’s father has a message for you.

“If you are the person that did it, stand up and face the consequences.”