Dateline NBC “Part of the Plan” November 16 2023 Recap & Preview
Prepare for a riveting one-hour special as Dateline delves into the chilling story of United States Air Force Airman Nathan Paet. Tune in on Thursday, November 16 2023, at 10 PM ET/9 PM CT for this episode titled “Part of the Plan.”
In the quiet streets of Las Vegas, tragedy strikes when Airman Nathan Paet is brutally shot multiple times within the confines of his own garage. As the investigation unfolds, Las Vegas detectives uncover a web of secrets, a hidden love affair, and a sinister plot that points to one thing: murder.
Keith Morrison, Dateline’s correspondent, guides viewers through this chilling tale of betrayal and intrigue, piecing together the evidence and testimonies that lead to shocking revelations.
Gain invaluable insights from interviews with Las Vegas Homicide Detectives Tod Williams and Laura Andersen, who worked tirelessly to crack the case. Hear from Nathan’s grieving family members and others intimately connected to this harrowing story.
The backdrop for this heart-wrenching narrative is the vibrant city of Las Vegas, Nevada, where a dark and sinister plot unravels.
Don’t miss “Part of the Plan,” Dateline’s one-hour special, airing on Thursday, November 16, at 10 PM ET/9 PM CT. Join us on this gripping journey into the depths of human betrayal and the pursuit of justice.
What Happened to Nathan Paet, Michelle Paet & Michael Rodriguez?
On December 1, 2010, tragedy struck the Paet family in Las Vegas, as devoted father and Air Force Staff Sgt. Nathan Paet met a horrifying fate. Rushing to his overnight shift at Nellis Airforce Base, Nathan was gunned down in his own garage, leaving behind a chilling trail of events that would shock the community and his family.
His wife, Michelle Paet, made a frantic 911 call, but despite desperate attempts to save him, Nathan succumbed to his extensive injuries at a nearby hospital. The Las Vegas Metro Police detectives were astounded by the brutality of the crime, especially in their quiet, suburban neighborhood of Mountain’s Edge.
Detectives Tod Williams and Laura Andersen, now retired, arrived at the grisly scene, marked by bloodstains and a tragic sight – Nathan’s military uniform discarded on the floor inside the house. This was not a mere robbery gone wrong, as Nathan’s keys and wallet remained untouched.
As the investigation unfurled, Nathan’s family and friends recounted the events leading up to that fateful night. Oversleeping for his shift, Nathan’s rushed departure was unusual for this dedicated family man. The detectives discovered clues hinting at financial struggles, but nothing more sinister.
The case took a twist when witnesses reported a black car fleeing the scene. Following this lead, detectives questioned Michelle’s coworker, Michael Rodriguez, who drove a black car. He alibied himself by claiming to have met a woman named Shannon for an evening at a hotel.
However, Michelle’s text messages with Rodriguez minutes before the murder raised suspicions of coded communication about the murder plot. These messages left investigators convinced that Michelle was actively involved.
With growing evidence and testimony from Shannon, it became clear that Rodriguez, Corey Hawkins, and Michelle had conspired to commit the murder. Shannon revealed that Rodriguez forced her into an alibi role, initially unaware of the murder plot.
Michael Rodriguez was found guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy, receiving a life sentence without parole. Michelle, admitting to her role in the murder plot, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and conspiracy. The Paet family requested that the death penalty be off the table.
Nathan’s four children are now being raised by his parents in Guam.
