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Nathan Paet Murder: Police Arrest 3 in Iraq War Veteran's Death

Nathan Paet Murder: Police Arrest 3 in Iraq War Veteran's Death
Staff Sergeant Nathan Paet (Personal Photo)

LAS VEGAS (CBS/KLAS) Three people have been arrested in connection with the murder of 28-year-old Iraq War veteran Nathan Paet, who was shot to death in his garage last week as he prepared to leave for work.

The staff sergeant was gunned down on Dec. 1 as he opened his garage door on the way to work at Nellis Air Force Base. After being shot, he stumbled back into his home and died.

His wife and four children were asleep inside the home when the shooting happened, but neighbors say they saw one man take off running after the shooting.

Police have arrested 31-year-old Michael Rudolph Rodriguez, 33-year-old Corry A. Hawkins and 23-year-old Jessica Austin. All are facing murder and conspiracy to commit murder charges.

According to CBS affiliate KLAS, Paet was originally from Guam, and joined the Air Force in 2002. He had been stationed in Arizona and Alaska before moving to Las Vegas in 2007.

On Tuesday, Nellis Air Force Base held a memorial service for Paet and his family.

Police say the murder was motivated by greed. They believe the murder may have been a hit and that more arrests could be coming.

Two of the suspects, Michael Rodriguez and Corry Hawkins, have served prison time.

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