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Mario Fernandez Saldana Convicted in Bridegan Murder Case

8/28/2026

Summary

Mario Fernandez Saldana Convicted

Mario Fernandez Saldana (defendant) was convicted of first-degree murder and solicitation in Jared Bridegan’s 2022 killing.
He faces a mandatory life-without-parole sentence, with sentencing scheduled for Oct. 5.
Prosecutors said Mario Fernandez Saldana paid alleged gunman Henry Tenon $10,000 in checks for the murder.
Prosecutors added two lewd-and-lascivious molestation counts in August.
His arraignment on the new felony charges is scheduled for Sept. 17.

Summary

Judge Kite Limits

Judge London Kite ordered Kirsten Bridegan to surrender her phone to Gardner’s defense.
Attorney Doug Clifton obtained a temporary stay from an appeals court blocking the phone disclosure.
Attorney Doug Clifton argues the subpoena violates Florida’s Marsy’s Law protecting victims’ privacy.
Judge London Kite limited the subpoena’s scope and requires court review before any material is shared.
Prosecutors say the phone may contain communications linking Gardner to the murder plot.

History

Historical Context

President Bill Clinton’s 1994 Crime Victims’ Rights Act gave victims enforceable privacy and courtroom rights, extending a trend that began in the 19th century when urbanization spurred government action on crime as a societal problem. Florida’s 2008 Marsy’s Law amendment and the 2022 Bridegan murder-for-hire case show how state courts, such as Judge London Kite’s, now balance investigative needs with those federal protections.

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Mario Fernandez Saldana Convicted

Mario Fernandez Saldana (defendant) was convicted of first-degree murder and solicitation in Jared Bridegan’s 2022 killing.
He faces a mandatory life-without-parole sentence, with sentencing scheduled for Oct. 5.
Prosecutors said Mario Fernandez Saldana paid alleged gunman Henry Tenon $10,000 in checks for the murder.
Prosecutors added two lewd-and-lascivious molestation counts in August.
His arraignment on the new felony charges is scheduled for Sept. 17.

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