by Mindy Aguon
Guam - It's a case that had people wondering whether it was a random of act of violence or something that had been planned. The shooting death of former Yona resident U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Nathan Paet shocked not only his neighbors and the military community in Nevada but his family members here at home.
As his body was being flown back to the island, Las Vegas homicide detectives arrested three people in connection with Paet's murder. They are being held without bail for the murder of the 28-year-old man, and Las Vegas police say more arrests are likely as they believe greed was the motive.
Michael Rudolph Rodriguez, 31, Corry Hawkins, 33, were arrested and charged with murder and burglary and conspiracy. Both are convicted felons who were not supposed to be in possession of a firearm. Jessica Austin, 23, was also arrested for murder with a deadly weapon and conspiracy.
Las Vegas Metro Police Department Homicide Bureau Sergeant Russ Shoemaker says the three allegedly believed that they would profit from Paet's death. They haven't released many other details, but confirmed that Rodriguez knew Paet's wife, Michelle, through mutual employment and that the shooting had been planned in advance. Metro Police are also not disclosing whether Michelle is a suspect in the case or whether she'll be allowed to leave Nevada to attend her husband's funeral.
Last week Nathan Paet had opened the garage door to his home when he was shot several times. While the shooter fled on foot and got into a getaway car, Paet died from the gunshot wounds. He was an F-15 Supply Section technician assigned to the 757th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. He and his family had been stationed at Nellis Air Force Base, where a memorial service was held earlier this week.
Paet's body will arrive to Guam this evening accompanied by family members. An honor guard from Andersen Air Force Base will handle the transfer of his remains into the family's custody and the funeral is expected to be held sometime next week.