Conviction in Florida Murder-for-Hire Case Linked to Custody Dispute

A man has been found guilty of orchestrating the murder of a Microsoft design manager in Florida, stemming from a turbulent child custody battle with his ex-wife. Jared Bridegan was tragically shot when he exited his SUV to clear a tire from a Jacksonville Beach road. The murder case puzzled law enforcement for months as they investigated the motive behind the killing, given Bridegan’s apparent lack of enemies.

Prosecutors argued that the motive behind the murder involved ongoing conflicts with Bridegan’s former wife over the upbringing of their twin children. Mario Fernandez Saldana, 38, faced conviction on charges of first-degree murder and solicitation of murder after a jury deliberated for nearly four hours. He was married to Shanna Gardner, Bridegan’s ex-wife, whose separate trial is due to begin in September.

The prosecutor emphasized that Bridegan’s death was a result of a “targeted ambush” planned by Gardner and Saldana. Assistant State Attorney Christina Stifler stated during closing arguments that Bridegan was left defenseless and unaware of the preparations underway for his murder since February 2022.

Defense attorney Jesse Dreicer argued that Saldana had no reason to kill Bridegan, highlighted by the lack of evidence showing Saldana expressed any desire for Bridegan’s death. Saldana and Gardner were estranged, with Gardner having moved to Washington state post-murder.

The prosecution presented evidence linking the alleged gunman, Henry Tenon, to the crime through financial transactions and DNA findings. Checks amounting to $10,000 were issued to Tenon, recorded as compensation for handyman work and a business proposal. Tenon’s DNA matched samples found on the tire placed on the road.

Initially, Tenon pleaded guilty and cooperated with the authorities to testify against Saldana, but he later retracted his cooperation agreement and will face trial the following year. Shanna Gardner, 39, is the daughter of a co-founder of Stampin’ Up!, an arts and crafts company based in Utah.

Jared Bridegan was killed after returning from a “date night” meal with his twins. His current wife, Kirsten Bridegan, described the relationship between her husband and Gardner post-divorce as “pretty terrible,” marked by a total lack of trust.

In memory of her late husband and to improve conditions for children at police stations, Kirsten Bridegan established the Bridegan Foundation in 2022. This nonprofit aims to make experiences less daunting and traumatic for young children like their daughter who spent hours in a police station without parental presence or basic necessities.