Trial begins in Vegas in 2010 slaying of US airman from Guam

Subscribe Now Choose a package that suits your preferences.
Start Free Account Get access to 7 premium stories every month for FREE!
Already a Subscriber? Current print subscriber? Activate your complimentary Digital account.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A 36-year-old ex-convict is standing trial in Las Vegas on murder, conspiracy and other charges in the shooting death of a U.S. Air Force sergeant from Guam in what prosecutors say was a plot hatched by the dead man’s wife.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A 36-year-old ex-convict is standing trial in Las Vegas on murder, conspiracy and other charges in the shooting death of a U.S. Air Force sergeant from Guam in what prosecutors say was a plot hatched by the dead man’s wife.

Michael Rudolph Rodriguez is the first of four co-defendants to stand trial in the December 2010 slaying of Nathan Paet in the driveway of his home. He could face the death penalty if convicted.

Prosecutor Frank Coumou told a jury Monday that Rodriguez was waiting and shot Paet as he left for work at Nellis Air Force Base.

Paet’s wife, Michelle Paet, is accused of alerting Rodriguez when her husband was leaving the house.

Two co-defendants, Jessica Ashley and Corry Hawkins, also await trial.