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Man to get life without parole in Vegas slaying of USA airman

After her guilty plea, she now faces life in prison without the possibility of parole at a December sentencing.

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The Associated Press reported Friday mainland-time that a jury had found Rodriguez guilty of conspiracy and murder in the death of Staff Sgt. Nathan Paet, a U.S. Air Force service member and Iraq War veteran from Guam. The couple married in 2006 and had four children. Michael Rodriguez was convicted last week on charges of 1st degree murder.

Michelle Paet acknowledged enlisting Rodriguez to kill her husband in a bid to collect $650,000 in life insurance.

The report states that Michelle sobbed in court as she apologized to her in-laws, saying, “I’m sorry…”

Her trial is scheduled to begin October 2.

He was found guilty September 25 of murder, conspiracy, burglary and weapon possession by an ex-felon.

He agreed to waive future appeals and accept a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole to avoid a possible death sentence.

Rodriguez took a plea deal Tuesday ahead of trial on the death penalty question. His wife Michelle Paet, Corry Hawkins and Jessica Austin are being tried separately.

Police were able to obtain cell phone records showing the text messages between Michelle and Rodriguez just minutes before Nathan was shot and killed.

He and Michelle Paet were high school sweethearts who met in Guam.

Nathan Paet was an F-15 supply technician with the 757th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. Nathan Paet joined the Air Force in 2002.

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Jurors were told that Paet met Rodriguez while they worked at a telemarketing company in Las Vegas and began planning the slaying two months before it happened. Las Vegas Metro police were able to piece the story together quickly and close the case.

Wife of Slain Airman Pleads Guilty to Avoid Death Penalty