Witness Claims No Knowledge of Missing Gun in Microsoft Executive Murder Trial

A convicted felon who testified as a witness Monday denied providing the murder weapon to Mario Fernandez Saldana, the defendant accused of orchestrating the murder-for-hire of Microsoft executive Jared Bridegan. The testimony came during the ongoing trial at Jacksonville's courthouse, where prosecutors are attempting to establish a direct link between John Biggerstaff and the firearm used in the fatal shooting.

Bridegan was killed on February 16, 2022, after dropping off his two children with their mother, Fernandez Saldana’s wife. Prosecutors allege that Bridegan was lured out of his car by a tire placed in the center of the road and shot to death when he attempted to move it.

John Biggerstaff testified on Monday as a key witness for the prosecution. He is a former police officer who pleaded guilty to nonviolent crimes in 2016, leading him to surrender all firearms owned at that time, including a 10 mm Glock firearm. This weapon has never been recovered but crime scene analysts previously stated it was likely used in Bridegan's murder based on ballistic evidence.

During questioning by Assistant State Attorney Alan Mizrahi, Biggerstaff repeatedly denied knowing the whereabouts of his surrendered 10 mm Glock pistol. When pressed about its current location, he responded: “I have no idea, sir.” This denial came despite earlier testimony from his son Juan and friend Fred Burton suggesting that the weapon was either stored or disposed of after it was surrendered.

Juan Biggerstaff, a current police officer, testified alongside his father, stating that he did not take possession of the 10 mm Glock when handling his father's weapons. He also mentioned attempting to wear a wire to gather information about the missing gun from his father but found no success in doing so.

The defense team cross-examined Biggerstaff, focusing on potential memory lapses due to a traumatic brain injury he suffered after slipping and falling at a gas station in 2022. Biggerstaff also admitted to struggling with addiction issues but claimed to have been sober for three weeks prior to his testimony.

During the trial proceedings, an unexpected sidebar took place when John Biggerstaff signaled concern over overhearing conversations via the court reporter's screen. Judge London Kite addressed this issue and instructed the court reporter to adjust her screen angle to prevent further occurrences of such incidents.

The case against Fernandez Saldana hinges on establishing a clear connection between him and the murder weapon, with prosecutors relying heavily on witness testimonies like Biggerstaff’s to build their case. The denial by John Biggerstaff regarding the whereabouts of his surrendered firearm complicates efforts to definitively tie the defendant to the murder weapon used in Bridegan's death.

This testimony underscores the complexities involved in proving conspiracy and murder charges, particularly when key evidence is missing or disputed. As the trial continues, both sides will likely present further evidence and call additional witnesses to support their claims and counterarguments.