The Jared Bridegan Story
Shanna Gardner is being accused of orchestrating the killing of her ex-husband, Jared Bridegan, on February 16, 2022.
The ex-wife of a Microsoft executive has been charged in connection with his murder, more than a year after the incident occurred in Jacksonville Beach in front of his young daughter, according to authorities.
Gardner was arrested in Washington state after being indicted by a grand jury on charges including first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, solicitation to commit first-degree murder and child abuse.
Bridegan, a 33-year-old man with four children, was discovered lying on a roadway in Jacksonville Beach, sustaining multiple gunshot injuries.
Based on an arrest warrant, Bridegan had taken his 9-year-old twins to Gardner’s residence in Jacksonville Beach, where she resided with her new spouse, Mario Fernandez Saldana.
Bridegan, who had also remarried, was driving with his 2-year-old daughter when he encountered a tire in the road obstructing his path.
According to the police, it is believed that the tire was intentionally placed to make Bridegan stop, and he was shot when he exited his SUV to remove the tire.
His 2-year-old daughter witnessed the fatal shooting, and bullets hit the SUV near where she was strapped into her seat, but she was not injured.
According to the warrant, Bridegan had a history of conflict with Gardner which included a difficult divorce.
Bridegan was married to Gardner in 2010, and they divorced in 2015. Following the divorce, they shared custody of the twins. After the murder, Gardner relocated to Washington.
After a thorough investigation, Jacksonville Beach Police announced the arrest of a 62-year-old individual named Henry Tenon in January for the murder of Bridegan.
Tenon pleaded guilty to second-degree murder with a weapon, acknowledging that he shot Bridegan, and is assisting with the investigation.
Tenon had resided at a property owned by Mario Fernandez-Saldana, and investigators found that Fernandez-Saldana had issued three checks to Tenon in 2022, according to the warrant. The two of them had multiple communications with each other from February to June of 2022.
At the time of his death, Bridegan’s ex-wife had the name Shanna Gardner-Fernandez. She was married to Mario Fernandez-Saldana, who was charged in March with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, solicitation to commit a capital felony, and child abuse.
According to the indictment, Shanna Gardner and her husband, Mario Fernandez-Saldana, are accused of conspiring to cause Bridegan’s death and soliciting someone else to kill him. [1]
What Are Some Warning Signs After Divorce?
In order to stay safe, individuals should be aware of warning signs that their ex-spouse may pose a danger to them. While not all ex-spouses exhibit such behaviors, it is important to prioritize personal safety and take appropriate precautions if any of the following warning signs are observed:
Hostile or Vindictive Behavior: Intense anger or resentment from the ex-spouse towards the individual could be a warning sign. They may engage in hostile communication and threats, or seek revenge in ways that compromise the individual’s well-being.
Violation of Boundaries: Consistently ignoring or breaching previously established boundaries is an indication of a disregard for the individual’s safety and autonomy. This may be demonstrated through relentless unwanted contact, stalking, or surveillance.
Threats of Violence: Verbal threats, whether explicit or implied, should never be dismissed lightly. If the ex-spouse expresses intentions of causing harm to the individual or themselves, it is necessary to reach out for professional help and consider involving law enforcement.
Unstable Mental Health: Significant changes in behavior, frequent mood swings, or signs of untreated mental health issues can increase the risk of harm.
Disregard for Legal or Court Orders: Consistently ignoring court orders, restraining orders, or violating legal requirements demonstrates a lack of respect for established boundaries and may indicate potential danger.
History of Abuse: If the ex-spouse has a history of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, it is crucial to take any threats or erratic behavior seriously. Past abusive behavior serves as a strong indicator that they may still present a danger.
Tips for Staying Safe After a Hard Divorce
Protect Evidence: Keep a record of all communication, including emails, text messages, and voicemails, especially if there is any harassment or threats involved. This documentation can be crucial if you need to present evidence in court.
Establish Clear Boundaries: Limit communication to only essential matters regarding children or any ongoing legal proceedings. Consider using a neutral third-party communication platform to minimize direct contact.
Protect Online Accounts: Change passwords for your email, social media, and other online accounts to prevent unauthorized access. Adjust privacy settings on social media platforms to limit your ex’s ability to monitor or gather information about you.
Ensure Physical Safety: If you have concerns about your physical safety, consider taking precautionary measures, such as updating security systems at home, notifying trusted neighbors, or seeking a temporary restraining order. Do not hesitate to involve law enforcement if you feel threatened or in immediate danger.
1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. [2]
Sacks & Sacks Jacksonville Divorce Attorneys provide legal expertise, compassion, and support to individuals going through divorce. They offer dedicated representation and assistance in navigating the complexities of the divorce process. Call today for a free initial consultation.
Sources:
[1] Ex-wife charged in killing of Microsoft exec shot in front of his toddler in Florida. (2023, August 18). NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ex-wife-murder-jared-bridegan-microsoft-florida-rcna100536
[2] NCADV | National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. (n.d.). Statistics. https://ncadv.org/STATISTICS
