Full Breakdown
Murder-for-Hire Conviction and New Child-Abuse Charges Shift Timeline in the Jared Bridegan Case
8/28/2026, 8:46:34 AM
Core Event
A Jacksonville jury found Mario Fernandez Saldana guilty of first-degree murder and solicitation to commit a capital felony for the February 2022 ambush killing of Microsoft manager Jared Bridegan. While Fernandez remains incarcerated awaiting sentencing, a Special Victims Unit investigation added two lewd-and-lascivious molestation charges—one involving a victim younger than 12 and a second involving an undisclosed minor. The new charges prompted a court-ordered continuance of Shanna Gardner’s murder trial, moving jury selection to May 3, 2027.
Background & Context
Fernandez, a former Army drill sergeant, married Gardner, the mother of Bridegan’s twins, after a contentious custody battle that began following their 2015 divorce. Prosecutors allege Fernandez hired tenant Henry Tenon to execute the murder-for-hire plot, paying Tenon three checks totaling $10,000.
Data & Statistics
- Three checks written by Fernandez to Tenon, marked “handyman work” and “business idea,” totaled $10,000.
- Two lewd-and-lascivious molestation counts have been filed against Fernandez.
- The February 2022 ambush occurred after Bridegan stopped his Volkswagen Atlas to move a tire placed in the road; two bullets struck the vehicle, narrowly missing his 2-year-old daughter, Bexley.
Official Statements & Responses
Assistant State Attorney Christina Stifler told the court the child-abuse charges resulted from “newly discovered evidence” and that the Special Victims Unit now oversees the investigation.
Defense attorney Jesse Dreicer argued the new charges provide a separate motive for Fernandez unrelated to Gardner, insisting the defense needs additional time to investigate the abuse allegations.
State Attorney Melissa Nelson described the murder as “calculated, deliberate and devastating,” adding that while sentencing cannot restore what was taken, “today there is accountability.”
Criticism & Opposition
Victim-rights attorney Doug Clifton objected to a court order requiring Jared Bridegan’s widow, Kirsten Bridegan, to turn over her phone records, calling the demand unprecedented.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the rescheduled start date for Gardner’s trial. News4Jax and Jacksonville court filings list May 3, 2027 for jury selection, while an Oxygen report cites September 8 and a Jacksonville notice mentions August 31 as the original deadline. The discrepancy reflects ongoing procedural motions and has not been resolved publicly.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They wanted a majority of the decision making. They wanted more custody, even 60-40,” — Christina Stifler, assistant state attorney
- “It doesn’t matter if they were completely right about the situation or completely wrong. What matters is how they fixed it. They fixed it by executing a man when they had other alternatives available to them. That’s why we’re here.” — Assistant State Attorney, prosecution
- “We stand by the fact that we have the greatest justice system in the world and Mr. Fernandez will continue his fight.” — Jesse Dreicer, defense attorney
What’s Next
Fernandez’s sentencing hearing is set for October 2026, where a life-without-parole term is expected. Gardner’s murder trial will commence with jury selection on May 3, 2027, followed by a three-week trial beginning May 10, 2027. Henry Tenon’s trial is scheduled for March 29, 2027. The Special Victims Unit continues to investigate the child-abuse allegations, and any further evidentiary rulings may affect the upcoming proceedings.
