Florida Man Faces Trial for Orchestrating Murder-for-Hire of Microsoft Executive

A man is currently facing trial in Jacksonville, Florida, accused of plotting and funding a murder-for-hire that led to the death of Jared Bridegan, a Microsoft executive. The incident occurred on February 16, 2022, when Bridegan was shot while driving home with his young child from dropping off his older children at his ex-wife's house.

Prosecutors allege that Mario Fernandez Saldana, who married Shanna Gardner after her divorce from Bridegan, orchestrated the murder. During the opening statement on Monday, Assistant State Attorney Christina Stifler described the shooting as a "planned tactical ambush." According to prosecutors, a tire was deliberately placed in the road to lure Bridegan into a trap.

Stifler detailed how Bridegan stopped his car to move the obstructive tire when four shots were fired from an unseen figure. Two bullets hit Bridegan's vehicle, narrowly missing the child inside, while two fatal shots struck Bridegan, leaving him face-down on the pavement. Witnesses who discovered Bridegan’s car found the toddler shaken and crying, reporting that her father had been hurt.

The investigation revealed no signs of robbery or altercation at the scene; Bridegan’s personal items were left untouched. Prosecutors argue that Fernandez and Gardner conspired to hire a gunman named Henry Tenon to eliminate Bridegan due to their ongoing contentious relationship following his divorce from Gardner.

James Hill, one of Fernandez's defense attorneys, vehemently denied any involvement in the murder, stating, "Mario Fernandez had no desire, motive, or benefit from Jared Bridegan’s death." The trial continues as both sides present evidence and testimony to support their claims.