In a major development, Shanna Gardner-Fernandez, the ex-wife of a Microsoft executive who was tragically shot in front of his 2-year-old daughter in Florida last year, has been charged with his murder. The Jacksonville Beach prosecutors announced on Thursday that Gardner-Fernandez faces charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, solicitation to commit murder, and child abuse in the death of her ex-husband, Jared Bridegan.
This indictment marks the third person to be charged in connection with Bridegan’s death. Earlier this year, Gardner-Fernandez’s current husband, Mario Fernandez Saldana, was charged with murder for allegedly hiring the gunman who shot Bridegan in his car in February 2022. The alleged gunman, Henry Tenon, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in March.
Speaking at a press conference, Florida State Attorney Melissa Nelson stated that the prosecutors will seek the death penalty against Gardner-Fernandez. Nelson emphasized Gardner-Fernandez’s central and pivotal role in the calculated and premeditated murder of Jared Bridegan.
According to court documents, Gardner-Fernandez and Bridegan’s relationship became increasingly hostile after their divorce in 2016, as they clashed over finances and custody of their 10-year-old twins.
Prosecutors allege that on February 16, 2022, as Bridegan was returning home with his 2-year-old daughter in the car, he stopped to avoid a tire in the road. It was at this moment that Tenon, hired by Saldana and intentionally placing the tire there, ambushed Bridegan and fatally shot him in front of his daughter.
Tenon has agreed to testify against Saldana as part of his plea agreement. Further court documents reveal that Saldana, who was formerly Tenon’s landlord, maintained frequent communication with him and wrote three checks.
News4Jax, a local news outlet, reports that Gardner-Fernandez, now residing in Washington state, has consistently denied any involvement in Bridegan’s murder.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
