Conviction in Murder-For-Hire Case of Microsoft Manager on Florida Road

On Wednesday, a jury delivered a verdict in the murder case involving a Microsoft design manager, Jared Bridegan, who was killed in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. The tragic event, which occurred four years ago, stemmed from a tumultuous custody battle over his twins.

Bridegan was shot after stepping out of his SUV to remove a tire from the road, with his daughter, then a toddler, present in the vehicle. The investigation puzzled law enforcement for months, as Bridegan seemingly had no adversaries to explain the violent act.

Prosecutors argued that the murder was orchestrated as part of an ongoing custody strife with Bridegan’s ex-wife, Shanna Gardner, over raising their children. On Wednesday, Mario Fernandez Saldana, 38, was found guilty of first-degree murder and solicitation of murder. Fernandez Saldana, Gardner’s estranged husband, faced the verdict after about four hours of jury deliberation. Gardner’s own trial is anticipated to begin in September.

During closing arguments, Assistant State Attorney Christina Stifler described the attack as a “targeted ambush.” According to Stifler, Bridegan was caught off guard and left unprotected on the cold asphalt back in February 2022. The plot against him, she said, had been in the works for months, fueled by disputes over religious upbringing.

Defense attorney Jesse Dreicer contended that Fernandez Saldana had no reason to orchestrate Bridegan’s death, highlighting the lack of evidence showing any expression from him that Bridegan “deserves to die.” Meanwhile, Gardner had relocated to Washington state following the incident.

The alleged hitman, Henry Tenon, had no known ties to Bridegan outside of being a past tenant of Fernandez Saldana. Despite claiming to be unaware of the scheme, Tenon was compensated with three checks written for $10,000, which were designated for handyman services and business ventures. His DNA was discovered on the tire deliberately placed on the road.

Initially, Tenon admitted his involvement and agreed to testify against Fernandez Saldana, but later retracted, and he is scheduled for trial the following year. Gardner, 39, comes from a wealthy background as the daughter of a Stampin’ Up! co-founder.

Jared Bridegan was attacked after returning his children to Gardner’s residence, shortly after a meal they shared. At the time, he was married to Kirsten Bridegan, with whom he had two children. Kirsten testified about the bitterness in the post-divorce relationship, emphasizing the complete lack of trust between her husband and Gardner.

Following the personal tragedy, Kirsten Bridegan established the Bridegan Foundation in 2022. The nonprofit aims to ease the traumatic experiences for children at police stations, inspired by her daughter’s ordeal when she had to remain at the police station without her parents or her basic needs being met.

Florida law enforcement and many impacted families continue to wrestle with the consequences of this fraught case, marked by its complexities and tragic outcomes.