Home / Crime and Justice / Murder-for-hire suspect retracts guilty plea
Murder-for-hire suspect retracts guilty plea
17 Feb
Summary
- Henry Tenon withdrew his guilty plea for Jared Bridegan's murder.
- Tenon now insists on a trial and will not testify against co-defendants.
- The suspect could now face the death penalty after withdrawing the plea.
Henry Tenon has unexpectedly retracted his guilty plea in the 2022 murder of Jared Bridegan. Previously, Tenon had admitted to being hired to kill Bridegan, agreeing to a plea deal that would have spared him the death penalty in exchange for a minimum of 15 years to life in prison.
During a court appearance on Tuesday, Tenon clearly stated his desire for a trial, a move approved by Judge London Kite. Crucially, Tenon has also waived his right to a speedy trial and will not testify against his alleged co-conspirators, Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez Saldana. These developments mean Tenon could potentially face the death penalty, which his attorney confirmed is now an option for the state.
Tenon's case will proceed to a pre-trial hearing on March 23. His trial will be separate from Gardner and Fernandez Saldana, whose trial is scheduled for August. The exact circumstances surrounding Bridegan's death and Tenon's involvement continue to be a focal point in this ongoing legal battle.
