Ex-Wife Trial Looms in Microsoft Manager's Murder

A trial is scheduled to begin Monday in Florida for a man charged in the fatal ambush of Microsoft design manager Jared Bridegan. The 33-year-old victim was repeatedly shot outside his vehicle in Jacksonville Beach in February 2022, while his 2-year-old child was in a car seat.

Investigators allege the murder was a contract killing orchestrated by Bridegan's ex-wife, Shanna Gardner, 39, and her current husband, Mario Fernandez Saldana, 38. Saldana faces first-degree murder charges in Duval County court. Gardner, arrested in August 2023, is charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy, solicitation, and child abuse. She has pleaded not guilty, and her trial is slated for September.

Evidence suggests Gardner deeply "hated Mr. Bridegan" and desired him dead due to disputes over custody of their two children. The alleged gunman, Henry Tenon, 65, had previously pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and agreed to testify. However, he withdrew his plea earlier this year and now faces his own trial in 2027. Authorities state Tenon received at least $10,000 from Gardner and Fernandez Saldana after Bridegan's death, and his DNA was found on the tire used to block the victim's path.

Bridegan was attacked shortly after returning the couple's 9-year-old twins to Gardner's home following a regular "date night." He was driving home to St. Augustine with one of his children from his second marriage. Bridegan, previously a chief technology officer, was remembered by his second wife, Kirsten, for the happiness they shared.