Microsoft Executive Murder Widow Testifies As Alleged Plotter's Trial Continues In Florida
On Monday, August 17, 2026, Jared Bridegan's widow, Kirsten Bridegan, testified in Florida at the trial of Mario Fernandez Saldana, accused of plotting the Microsoft executive's 2022 ambush and death.[1]
Kirsten told jurors there was "absolutely no trust" between the households and that they communicated almost entirely by text and email while disputing parenting time, medical bills, schooling and religious decisions for the twins.[1] She recounted a final phone call the evening of the ambush, saying there was an "unusual" silence just before the call ended as Jared drove their daughter home after dropping off the twins.[1] Kirsten testified that when Jared failed to return home she repeatedly called him and then drove toward Jacksonville Beach.[1] A police officer eventually answered his phone, directed her to the station and, after questioning her, informed her Jared had been shot and killed.[1] Prosecutors allege Fernandez Saldana helped plan and finance the murder and that Henry Tenon was the gunman.[2] Fernandez Saldana has pleaded not guilty, and his attorneys say the state cannot prove he solicited or intended Bridegan's death.[1]
In February 2022, prosecutors say Bridegan was ambushed and shot while driving after dropping off the twins.[2] Authorities arrested Henry Tenon on charges alleging he was the shooter, and later charged Mario Fernandez Saldana with helping plan and finance the attack.[2] Jurors heard the families had communicated almost entirely by text and email while disputing parenting time, medical bills, schooling and religious decisions for the twins.[1]
Earlier reporting focused on the trial's opening and the charges against Fernandez Saldana.[2] This week's coverage has shifted to emotional courtroom testimony, including Kirsten Bridegan's account of her final call with Jared.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Monday, August 17, 2026, Kirsten Bridegan testified at Mario Fernandez Saldana’s trial describing the strained co‑parenting relationship among Jared Bridegan, his ex‑wife Shanna Gardner‑Fernandez and Fernandez Saldana.
- Kirsten Bridegan told jurors there was “absolutely no trust” between the households and that they communicated almost entirely via text and email while disputing parenting time, medical bills, schooling and religious decisions for the twins.
- She recounted the final phone call with Jared on the evening of the February 2022 ambush, saying there was an “unusual” silence just before the call ended as he drove their daughter Bexley home after dropping off the twins.
- Kirsten testified that when Jared failed to return home she repeatedly called him, then drove toward Jacksonville Beach; a police officer eventually answered his phone and directed her to the station, where officers first questioned her and then informed her he had been shot and killed.
- Prosecutors allege Fernandez Saldana helped plan and finance the murder and that Henry Tenon was the gunman; Fernandez Saldana has pleaded not guilty and his attorneys say the state cannot prove he solicited or intended Bridegan’s death.
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- On Monday, August 17, 2026, Jared Bridegan's widow, Kirsten Bridegan, testified at Mario Fernandez Saldana’s trial, describing the strained co‑parenting relationship between Jared, his ex‑wife Shanna Gardner‑Fernandez and Fernandez Saldana.
- Kirsten told jurors there was "absolutely no trust" between the households and that they communicated almost entirely via text and email while disputing parenting time, medical bills, schooling and religious decisions for the twins.
- She recounted her final phone call with Jared on the evening of the February 2022 ambush, including an "unusual" silence just before the call ended as he drove their daughter Bexley home after dropping off the twins.
- Kirsten testified that when Jared failed to return home she repeatedly called him, then drove toward Jacksonville Beach; a police officer eventually answered Jared’s phone and directed her to the station, where officers initially questioned her about him before informing her he had been shot and killed.
- The article reiterates that prosecutors allege Fernandez Saldana helped plan and finance the murder and that Henry Tenon was the gunman, while Fernandez Saldana has pleaded not guilty and his attorneys say the state cannot prove he solicited or intended Bridegan’s death.