Ex-Wife of Slain Microsoft Executive Indicted for First-Degree Murder
The ex-wife of Jared Bridegan, a Microsoft executive who was shot and killed in Jacksonville Beach last year, has been indicted for first-degree murder. Shanna Gardner was charged by a grand jury on Thursday with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and child abuse.
Prosecutors described the murder as “cold, calculated, and premeditated.” Gardner’s current husband, Mario Fernandez Saldana, was also indicted on multiple charges, including first-degree murder, five months ago. Henry Tenon, Fernandez Saldana’s former tenant, was arrested earlier this year and is accused of pulling the trigger.
According to authorities, Bridegan was driving with his then-2-year-old daughter when he encountered a tire blocking his path. When he stepped out of the car, he was ambushed and killed. Tenon was arrested in January 2023 and has since pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, cooperating with prosecutors.
Fernandez Saldana, who was charged with first-degree murder in March, has pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty in his case. Gardner’s indictment acknowledges her central and key role in the murder.
Gardner denied any involvement in her ex-husband’s murder during her only television interview last year. She stated that despite their disagreements, he was still the father of her children.
The investigation into Bridegan’s murder has been ongoing, with prosecutors vowing to uncover the truth. Gardner’s arrest marks the third person charged in connection with the homicide.
Gardner was arrested in West Richland, Washington, and will be extradited to Duval County. Prosecutors will also seek the death penalty against her.
Bridegan’s parents, Kirsten Bridegan and her daughter Bexley, attended a vigil in his memory last year. They have not commented on Gardner’s indictment.
The legal process will now run its course, and Gardner’s parents have requested privacy during this difficult time for their family and grandchildren.
How are prosecutors seeking to punish Shanna Gardner for her alleged involvement in the murder of her ex-husband, Jared Bridegan?
Headline: Ex-Wife of Slain Microsoft Executive Faces Murder Charges, Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty
The shocking case of Jared Bridegan, the Microsoft executive who was tragically shot and killed last year in Jacksonville Beach, took a chilling turn as his ex-wife, Shanna Gardner, was indicted for first-degree murder. A grand jury handed down the charges on Thursday, accusing Gardner of not only murder but also conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and child abuse.
Prosecutors wasted no time in characterizing the murder as “cold, calculated, and premeditated.” This indictment comes five months after Gardner’s current husband, Mario Fernandez Saldana, was also indicted on multiple charges, including first-degree murder. It was discovered that Fernandez Saldana’s former tenant, Henry Tenon, was the alleged triggerman in the crime and was arrested earlier this year.
The heinous crime unfolded when Bridegan was driving with his two-year-old daughter and encountered a tire blocking his path. Little did he know that this obstacle was the beginning of a sinister ambush that ultimately cost him his life. Tenon, who was arrested in January and later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, cooperated with prosecutors, shedding light on the plot.
Fernandez Saldana, who pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in March, now faces the possibility of the death penalty. The recent indictment of Gardner also highlights her alleged central and pivotal role in the murder.
In a television interview last year, Gardner vehemently denied any involvement in her ex-husband’s murder. She emphasized that despite their past disagreements, Bridegan was still the father of her children.
The investigation into this shocking murder has been an ongoing pursuit of justice, with prosecutors unwavering in their commitment to uncovering the truth. Gardner’s arrest now marks the third person to face charges in connection with this chilling homicide.
Gardner was apprehended in West Richland, Washington, and will soon be extradited to Duval County. Prosecutors are resolute in their position to seek the death penalty in her case as well.
In the midst of this heartbreaking ordeal, Bridegan’s parents, Kirsten Bridegan and their grandchild Bexley, attended a poignant vigil in his memory last year. At this time, they have chosen not to comment on Gardner’s indictment.
As the legal process unfolds, Gardner’s parents have requested privacy during this arduous time for their family and the innocent grandchildren caught in the midst of this tragic event.
The wheels of justice continue to turn, as this chilling case continues to captivate and shock the community.
