Suspects in Paet murder go to court

Suspects in Paet murder go to court Image

Four suspects who allegedly conspired to kill Staff Sgt. Nathan Paet so they could collect about $650,000 of life insurance money appeared briefly in a Las Vegas courtroom yesterday.

According to local Las Vegas news station 8NewsNow, the alleged conspirators appeared in court for a status check.

Las Vegas police arrested Nathan Paet's widow, Michelle Paet, and three others — Michael Rudolph Rodriguez, Corry Hawkins and Jessica Austin — almost a week ago, according to Pacific Daily News files.

Michelle Paet allegedly planned the murder with Rodriguez, with whom she was having an affair, and Rodriguez allegedly enlisted the help of Hawkins, according to a Las Vegas arrest report. Austin allegedly helped Rodriguez and Hawkins destroy evidence of the murder.

Both Paets are former Guam residents and their four children have returned to Guam in the custody of Nathan Paet's family. a funeral was held for the slain airman on Wednesday.

Michelle Paet's attorney, Kristina Wildeveld, has declined to comment on the case.

According to the Las Vegas court system calendar, the four alleged conspirators' next appearance in court is scheduled for Dec. 23, for a preliminary hearing.