Trial Opens In Alleged Murder-For-Hire Killing Of Microsoft Manager
On Monday, August 17, 2026, the first-degree murder trial of Mario Fernandez Saldana opened in Duval County court in Florida, where prosecutors say he arranged the 2022 killing of Microsoft manager Jared Bridegan.[1]
Also accused in the case is 65-year-old Henry Tenon, who prosecutors say was paid at least $10,000 and whose DNA was found on the tire used in the ambush.[1] Tenon withdrew a prior guilty plea and is scheduled for a separate trial in 2027.[1]
Prosecutors allege Saldana and Bridegan's ex-wife, Shanna Gardner, arranged a 2022 ambush in Jacksonville Beach in which Jared Bridegan was shot after stopping for a tire placed in the road.[1] Gardner was arrested in August 2023 and faces charges including first-degree murder, conspiracy, solicitation to commit murder, and child abuse; her trial is expected to start in September 2026.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Monday, August 17, 2026, the first-degree murder trial of Mario Fernandez Saldana begins in Duval County court, Florida.
- Prosecutors allege Fernandez Saldana and Bridegan's ex-wife, Shanna Gardner, arranged a 2022 ambush in Jacksonville Beach in which Jared Bridegan was shot to death after stopping for a tire placed in the road.
- Alleged gunman Henry Tenon, 65, is accused of being paid at least $10,000, had his DNA found on the tire, withdrew a prior guilty plea, and is scheduled for a separate trial in 2027.
- Gardner was arrested in August 2023 and faces charges including first-degree murder, conspiracy, solicitation to commit murder, and child abuse, with her trial expected to start in September 2026.
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