“Part of the Plan”: Dateline Reports on Nathan Paet Homicide April 20 2025

This Sunday, April 20, 2025, at 10/9c, Dateline NBC presents “Part of the Plan,” a harrowing two-hour special that unravels the calculated and cold-blooded murder of Air Force Staff Sergeant Nathan Paet. Narrated by Keith Morrison, the episode dives deep into a chilling conspiracy rooted in betrayal, greed, and deceit, orchestrated by the one person Nathan trusted most—his wife, Michelle Paet. What began as a seemingly senseless act of violence soon revealed an elaborate murder-for-money scheme that devastated a family and rocked the Las Vegas military community.

A Devoted Husband and Father

Nathan Paet was a 28-year-old Guam native, a proud member of the Chamorro community, and a respected Air Force serviceman stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas. Known for his dedication to both his military service and his family, Nathan had served a tour in Iraq and was working nights to provide for his wife, Michelle, and their four young children.

Friends and family described Nathan as a loving father and a devoted husband who organized weekly gatherings for fellow Guam natives to stay connected. His marriage to Michelle, a woman he met in high school, seemed solid to outsiders. Yet beneath the surface, a dangerous secret was brewing—one that would end his life and dismantle everything he had built.

The Night of the Murder

On the night of December 1, 2010, Nathan prepared for another graveyard shift at the base. After spending the evening with his family, he headed into the garage to put on his boots before leaving. It was there, in the quiet of his suburban Las Vegas home, that he was ambushed and shot five times by a man lying in wait.

Despite his injuries, Nathan managed to stumble back into the house where his children were sleeping and collapsed in front of his wife. Michelle called 911 and tearfully claimed that someone had attacked her husband in the garage. Nathan was rushed to the hospital, but the injuries were fatal. Initially, police considered the possibility of a robbery gone wrong, but the lack of forced entry and missing valuables raised suspicions.

A Sinister Plot Uncovered

Detectives quickly noticed inconsistencies in Michelle’s statements. Her cooperation seemed suspiciously eager, and she volunteered information about a coworker, Michael Rodriguez, who drove a black Cadillac—the same type of vehicle a neighbor saw fleeing the scene.

Police examined Michelle’s phone and discovered a disturbing text exchange with Rodriguez around the time of the murder. The messages used vague language about a “contract,” followed by a series of messages describing Nathan’s movements, including a casual “lol” just moments before the shooting. The timeline was damning.

Further investigation revealed that Michelle and Rodriguez were having an affair. Michelle eventually confessed that she and Rodriguez had plotted to murder Nathan to collect his $650,000 life insurance payout. The plan had been in the works for months and involved another man, Corry Hawkins, who ultimately carried out the shooting.

The Arrests and Legal Proceedings

Following Michelle’s confession, authorities arrested Rodriguez, Hawkins, and a woman named Jessica Austin, who had helped fabricate Rodriguez’s alibi. Rodriguez was charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy, and other related offenses. Michelle faced the same charges, along with the possibility of the death penalty.

Rodriguez initially maintained his innocence but was found guilty in 2015. He accepted a sentence of life without the possibility of parole. Hawkins, the shooter, also took a plea deal and received the same sentence. Austin cooperated with authorities and pleaded guilty to conspiracy.

Michelle Paet, facing overwhelming evidence and pressure from Nathan’s family, ultimately pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and conspiracy. Prosecutors agreed not to pursue the death penalty at the request of Nathan’s family, who wished to spare the children more trauma. Michelle was sentenced to life without parole.

A Family Torn Apart

Nathan’s murder devastated his family, particularly his four children, who not only lost their father but were also separated from their mother. Raised in Guam by Nathan’s relatives, the children were forced to rebuild their lives while coming to terms with the truth of their parents’ relationship.

During sentencing, Michelle tearfully apologized for her actions. Prosecutor Michelle Fleck recounted the deep trauma inflicted on the Paet family and described the case as one of the most heartbreaking she had ever prosecuted. The case, driven by pure greed and betrayal, left lasting emotional scars and a haunting legacy of trust shattered by the person closest to the victim.

Conclusion

Dateline NBC’s “Part of the Plan” offers a sobering look at a deeply disturbing crime that shattered a military family and left a community reeling. With detailed interviews, emotional courtroom scenes, and an investigation that spanned years, the episode underscores the consequences of betrayal and the relentless pursuit of justice. Tune in Sunday night at 10/9c to witness the full story behind the tragic death of Nathan Paet.