Jared Bridegan murder case
A judge ruled on July 24, 2026, that Shanna Gardner's defense team can seek amended requests to subpoena specific text messages from Jared Bridegan's widow, Kirsten Bridegan, limiting the scope to communications with a witness identified as E.F. As of July 24, 2026, jury selection for Mario Fernandez-Saldana's trial is set to begin August 10, with his trial running from August 17-28, followed by Shanna Gardner's trial from September 8-25. New evidence suggests Mario Fernandez Saldana conspired with another inmate to frame Kirsten Bridegan as the killer, based on sworn testimony from a fellow inmate. Henry Tenon, the alleged gunman, has withdrawn his guilty plea and will now proceed to trial in 2027, with jury selection scheduled for March 29, 2027.
Timeline
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July 2026 — 8 developments
Judge Allows Defense Access to Some Texts from Victim's Widow's Phone in Bridegan Murder Case
A judge has ruled that Shanna Gardner's defense team can seek amended requests to subpoena specific text messages from the phone of Jared Bridegan's widow, Kirsten Bridegan. The ruling, made after a July 13 hearing, limits the scope to communications between Kirsten Bridegan and a witness identified as E.F., citing privacy concerns.
Judge Allows Subpoena of Victim's Widow's Phone Data in Bridegan Murder Case
A judge ruled on July 21, 2026, that the defense can subpoena information from Kirsten Bridegan's phone, though the scope of questioning was limited. Jury selection for Mario Fernandez-Saldana's trial is set to begin August 10, with his trial running from August 17-28, followed by Shanna Gardner's trial from September 8-25.
Judge allows subpoena of phone data in Jared Bridegan murder case pre-trial
A judge ruled that Shanna Gardner's defense can subpoena information from Kirsten Bridegan's phone for an in-camera review and compelled Kirsten Bridegan to a second deposition. Henry Tenon, the alleged gunman, previously withdrew his guilty plea and will no longer testify against Gardner and Fernandez-Saldana.
New evidence suggests Saldana conspired to frame Bridegan's widow in murder case
New evidence suggests Mario Fernandez Saldana conspired with another inmate to frame Jared Bridegan's widow, Kirsten Bridegan, as the killer, based on sworn testimony from a fellow inmate. This development comes as pre-trial motions were heard regarding the potential testimony of a jailhouse informant and defense access to Kirsten Bridegan's phone records.
Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana Trial Dates Set in Jared Bridegan Murder Case
Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana have had their trial dates set for the murder of Jared Bridegan, with jury selection for Fernandez-Saldana beginning August 10-14, 2026, and his trial running from August 17-28. Gardner's trial will follow, with jury selection from August 31-September 4, and the trial from September 8-25. Shanna Gardner's attorneys have also been granted permission to conduct a second, limited deposition of Kirsten Bridegan.
Henry Tenon Withdraws Guilty Plea in Jared Bridegan Murder Case, Trial Set for 2027
Henry Tenon, who was set to testify against Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana, has withdrawn his guilty plea and will now proceed to trial in 2027. Jury selection for Tenon's trial is scheduled for March 29, 2027. This follows a July 13, 2026 hearing where Gardner's defense sought access to the victim's widow's phone.
Judge hears arguments on informant testimony and communications in Bridegan murder case
A judge heard arguments on July 14, 2026, concerning a jailhouse informant's claims against Mario Fernandez Saldana and the defense's request for Kirsten Bridegan's communications, with rulings expected July 16. An inmate previously alleged in June 2026 that Fernandez Saldana identified Shanna Gardner as the mastermind and sought help framing Bridegan's widow.
Jared Bridegan Case: Child Witness Testimony Details Addressed in Pre-Trial Hearing
During a July 9, 2026, pre-trial hearing, prosecutors stated that one child witness will not testify, while another will appear via Zoom. This hearing also addressed pre-trial motions that could impact jury selection for Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana. A further hearing on pre-trial motions is scheduled for July 13.
June 2026 — 5 developments
Jared Bridegan Case: New Allegations Surface Against Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana
New disclosures allege Mario Fernandez-Saldana told a jail informant that Shanna Gardner was the "mastermind" behind Jared Bridegan's killing and asked for help framing Bridegan's widow. Judge London Kite denied Gardner's motion to suppress wiretap evidence, allowing it to be used at trial. Both defendants are scheduled for separate trials beginning August 2026.
Judge allows wiretap evidence in Jared Bridegan murder case
A judge denied a motion to suppress wiretap evidence on June 3, 2026, allowing prosecutors to use it in the trials of Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana. The judge also granted Gardner's defense team limited opportunity to ask additional questions of Kirsten Bridegan, the victim's widow, following her deposition.
Judge allows second deposition of Kirsten Bridegan in Jared Bridegan murder case
A judge ruled on June 1, 2026, that Shanna Gardner's defense can conduct a limited second deposition of Kirsten Bridegan. Gardner and co-defendant Mario Fernandez-Saldana are scheduled for another pre-trial hearing on July 9.
Jared Bridegan murder case: Kirsten Bridegan ordered for second deposition, child testimony debated
A judge has ordered Kirsten Bridegan to undergo a second deposition in the Jared Bridegan murder case. Arguments were also heard concerning the potential use of testimony from Bridegan's young child, with the defense objecting. Both defendants are due back in court for another pre-trial hearing on July 9, 2026.
Jared Bridegan murder case: New pre-trial hearing dates set for Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana
Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana have new pre-trial hearing dates set for July 9, 2026. Jury selection for Fernandez-Saldana is scheduled for August 10, 2026, and for Gardner on August 31, 2026. These dates differ from previously reported trial and jury selection schedules.
May 2026 — 2 developments
Judge rules on Tenon's statements in Bridegan murder case; trials set for Gardner and Fernandez-Saldana
A judge ruled on May 26, 2026, that prosecutors can use a sworn statement from alleged gunman Henry Tenon, but statements made during plea negotiations are inadmissible. Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana are scheduled for separate trials, with Fernandez-Saldana's beginning August 17, 2026, and Gardner's on September 8, 2026.
Jared Bridegan murder case: Attorneys seek to suppress evidence and statements
Attorneys for Henry Tenon are urging a judge to suppress statements he made as part of a plea agreement, arguing they could be inadmissible. Shanna Gardner's attorneys have also asked to suppress evidence from wiretaps and search warrants. A judge is weighing these motions and will issue a ruling at Tenon's next court date on May 26.
April 2026 — 2 developments
Judge rules Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana to have separate trials
A judge ruled on April 9, 2026, that Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana will have separate trials in the Jared Bridegan murder-for-hire case. Jury selection for Fernandez-Saldana is scheduled to begin August 10, 2026, and for Gardner on August 31, 2026. This decision follows the alleged triggerman's withdrawal of his guilty plea and cessation of cooperation with investigators.
Prosecutors abandon death penalty for Fernandez-Saldana and Gardner after Tenon withdraws plea
Jury selection for Mario Fernandez-Saldana is scheduled for August 10-14, 2026, with his trial set for August 17-28, 2026. Shanna Gardner's jury selection is set for August 31-September 4, 2026, and her trial will follow from September 8-25, 2026. This comes after Henry Tenon withdrew his guilty plea and will no longer testify against them, leading prosecutors to abandon seeking the death penalty.
March 2026 — 7 developments
Prosecutors withdraw death penalty for Gardner, Fernandez-Saldana in Bridegan case
Prosecutors have withdrawn their intent to seek the death penalty for Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana in the Jared Bridegan murder-for-hire case. Mario Fernandez-Saldana's motion for bond was denied on March 12, 2026, and he remains in jail. Henry Tenon, who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and agreed to testify, is now set to go to trial after withdrawing his plea.
Judge denies bond for Mario Fernandez-Saldana in Jared Bridegan murder case
A judge has denied a bond request for Mario Fernandez-Saldana, who is accused of orchestrating the murder of Jared Bridegan. Prosecutors presented evidence linking Fernandez-Saldana to Henry Tenon, who they claim had no other connection to Bridegan besides being his tenant. The motive is suggested to have arisen from Gardner's past relationship with Bridegan.
Gardner and Fernandez-Saldana face pre-trial proceedings for Bridegan murder, new evidence exchanged
Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana are undergoing pre-trial proceedings for the murder of Jared Bridegan, with recent court proceedings focusing on the exchange of new evidence, including jail calls and digital evidence. A pre-trial hearing in March 2026 is discussing Fernandez-Saldana's potential bond release.
Mario Fernandez-Saldana denied bond; prosecutors to introduce new evidence
Mario Fernandez-Saldana's bond request was denied on March 12, 2026, due to substantial evidence including surveillance video, DNA, and cellphone data. Prosecutors revealed their intent to introduce new evidence, including jail calls and digital data, against both Gardner and Fernandez-Saldana on May 31, 2024.
Kim Jensen described Jared Bridegan as "money-centric" and Shanna Gardner as a "great mom" in police interviews
New video evidence has been released showing police interviewing Kim Jensen, a close friend of Shanna Gardner, in May 2022 and February 2023. Jensen described Jared Bridegan as "very money-centric" and Shanna as a great mom. The interviews occurred as part of the investigation into the 2022 murder-for-hire plot against Bridegan.
Mario Fernandez seeks bond release ahead of 2026 pre-trial hearing
Mario Fernandez, accused in the murder-for-hire plot of Jared Bridegan, is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on March 12, 2026. Fernandez's attorneys are seeking his release on bond, arguing that circumstances have changed since Henry Tenon, the accused gunman, withdrew his guilty plea and no longer intends to testify against them.
Shanna Gardner's violent texts, code words revealed in Jared Bridegan murder case
New evidence, including text messages allegedly showing Shanna Gardner expressing violent thoughts and using code words like "funeral potatoes" and "doing magic" to discuss a potential murder-for-hire, has been released in the Jared Bridegan murder case. Gardner and her husband, Mario Fernandez Saldana, are accused of hiring Henry Tenon to kill Bridegan. Tenon, who has since withdrawn his guilty plea, is expected to testify against them.
February 2026 — 3 developments
Mario Fernandez-Saldana, accused in Jared Bridegan murder plot, seeks bond
Mario Fernandez-Saldana, accused of orchestrating the murder-for-hire plot of Jared Bridegan, has filed a motion seeking bond. Fernandez-Saldana faces charges including first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Henry Tenon withdraws guilty plea, will face trial in Jared Bridegan murder case
Henry Tenon, the state's key witness in the Jared Bridegan murder case, has withdrawn his guilty plea and will now face trial. Tenon has been indicted by a Duval County grand jury on charges including first-degree murder and child abuse, with his previous conspiracy to commit murder and accessory after the fact charges dropped. This development impacts the upcoming trials of Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana, accused of orchestrating the murder-for-hire plot.
Henry Tenon withdraws guilty plea in Jared Bridegan murder case, will not testify against co-defendants
Henry Tenon, the state's key witness who previously confessed to his role in Jared Bridegan's murder, has withdrawn his guilty plea and stated he will not testify against Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana. Judge London Kite granted Tenon's motion to withdraw his plea on February 17, 2026, allowing him to proceed to trial.
January 2026 — 3 developments
Government alleges Mario Fernandez-Saldana's conspiracy dates from November 2021 to February 2022
During a court appearance on January 22, 2026, the government alleged Mario Fernandez-Saldana's conspiracy dates range from November 1, 2021, through February 16, 2022. Shanna Gardner's indictment indicates a conspiracy period from February 2022.
Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana to Return to Court February 6, 2026
Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana are scheduled to return to court on February 6, 2026, with jury selection set to begin on February 10, 2026.
Judge denies motion to send written questions to Henry Tenon, suggests longer deposition
A judge denies a motion from Mario Fernandez-Saldana's attorneys to send written questions to Henry Tenon, citing ethical concerns and suggesting a longer deposition instead.
December 2025 — 1 developments
Shanna Gardner cited for drug, theft violations in jail; judge pauses Bridegan lawsuit
Shanna Gardner was found to have drug and theft violations while incarcerated, dating back to April 2024. A judge also ordered a pause on Jared Bridegan's wrongful death lawsuit until the murder trial concludes, and bodycam footage from an arrest has been released.
November 2025 — 4 developments
Prosecutors drop death penalty for Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez Saldana in murder-for-hire case
Prosecutors have announced they will no longer seek the death penalty for Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez Saldana, accused in the murder-for-hire of Gardner's ex-husband, Jared Bridegan. A court order also vacated the use of an independent magistrate in the prosecution of Gardner and Fernandez-Saldana, with decisions remaining with Judge London Kite. The confessed hitman, Henry Tenon, has changed his story and is second-guessing his cooperation.
Florida withdraws death penalty option for Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana
The State of Florida officially withdraws the death penalty as a sentencing option for Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana, a decision supported by Jared Bridegan's widow.
Henry Tenon, Jared Bridegan Murder Case Witness, Reportedly Changes Story
Henry Tenon, the confessed hitman and star witness in the Jared Bridegan murder case, reportedly changed his story. This development occurred shortly before prosecutors withdrew the death penalty option.
Gardner, Fernandez-Saldana attend pre-trial hearing in murder-for-hire case
Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana attended a pre-trial hearing in Duval County court on November 14, 2025. This hearing was part of the ongoing legal proceedings for the alleged murder-for-hire plot.
July 2025 — 5 developments
Prosecutors announce new evidence against Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana in Jared Bridegan murder trial
Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana, accused in the murder of Jared Bridegan, have a trial date set for August 3, 2026. Prosecutors announced on May 31, 2024, that they plan to present new evidence, including jail calls and digital evidence, against the couple. Henry Tenon, who has agreed to testify against them, is also facing new charges.
Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez Saldana Murder-for-Hire Trial Set for August 2026
The trial for Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez Saldana, accused in the murder-for-hire of Jared Bridegan, is scheduled to begin on August 3, 2026. They are accused of hiring Henry Tenon to kill Bridegan, Gardner's ex-husband, in February 2022.
Henry Tenon seeks new attorney and plea withdrawal; Bridegan's widow alleges money movement
Henry Tenon, the confessed hitman, is reportedly attempting to hire a new attorney and withdraw his guilty plea. Additionally, Jared Bridegan's widow, Kirsten Bridegan, has alleged that Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana moved their money.
Duval County judge pauses wrongful death lawsuit, sets murder trial for August 2026
A Duval County Circuit Court judge paused a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Jared Bridegan's widow against the defendants, pending the outcome of the murder trial. Additionally, jury selection for the criminal trial is now scheduled for August 10, 2026, with the trial expected to run from August 17-28, 2026, clarifying previous reports.
Shanna Gardner, Mario Fernandez-Saldana trial scheduled for August 2026
The trial for Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana has been scheduled to begin on August 3, 2026, with both defendants facing simultaneous trials before separate juries and up to 500 potential jurors.
March 2025 — 1 developments
Prosecutor withheld star witness's innocence claims from defense, documents show
Newly released documents indicate that a star witness's repeated claims of innocence were not disclosed to the defense, contradicting earlier statements by the prosecutor.
February 2025 — 1 developments
Prosecutors deny discussing anything with Henry Tenon; Shanna Gardner's attorneys discuss bond motion
Prosecutors stated that 'nothing' was discussed with Henry Tenon after he alleged 'false testimony,' and in a February 2024 pre-trial hearing, Shanna Gardner's attorneys discussed a bond motion on her behalf, though no decision was made.
November 2024 — 1 developments
Shanna Gardner's Defense Seeks to Unseal Detective's Grand Jury Testimony, Citing Perjury Concerns
Shanna Gardner's defense team is seeking to unseal the grand jury testimony of lead investigator Detective Christopher Johns, alleging potential perjury and withheld evidence. They argue that falsehoods in Johns' statements may have unfairly influenced the grand jury's decision to indict Gardner.
September 2024 — 1 developments
Shanna Gardner's defense questions state's representation of trust funds in murder-for-hire plot
During a September 2024 court appearance, discussions focused on new text messages and financial transactions related to the alleged murder-for-hire plot, with the defense questioning the state's representation of Shanna Gardner's trust funds.
May 2024 — 6 developments
Prosecutors drop death penalty for Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez Saldana in Bridegan murder case
Prosecutors announced on May 31, 2024, that they plan to present new evidence against Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez Saldana in the Jared Bridegan murder case. On November 24, 2025, prosecutors announced they will no longer seek the death penalty for Gardner and Saldana. Gardner and Saldana are accused of conspiring with Henry Tenon to kill Bridegan.
Prosecutors to present new evidence in Jared Bridegan murder case against Gardner, Saldana
Prosecutors announced their intention to present new evidence, including jail calls and digital data, in the Jared Bridegan murder case against Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez Saldana. The evidence is expected to be filed by the following Tuesday. Henry Tenon, believed to have fired the fatal shot, has pleaded guilty and is set to testify against Gardner and Saldana.
Florida Prosecutors to Introduce New Evidence in Jared Bridegan Murder Case
Prosecutors in Florida intend to introduce new evidence, including jail calls and digital evidence, as part of their case against Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez Saldana in the murder of Jared Bridegan. Gardner is accused of orchestrating the killing of her ex-husband, with Saldana and Henry Tenon allegedly involved in the targeted shooting.
Prosecutors uncover new evidence against Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana
Prosecutors informed Judge London M. Kite on May 31, 2024, that they had uncovered new evidence against Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana, including jail calls and digital information.
Prosecutors: Shanna Gardner discussed wanting ex-husband Jared Bridegan dead for five years
During a May 15, 2024, bond hearing, prosecutors revealed that Shanna Gardner allegedly discussed wanting her ex-husband, Jared Bridegan, dead for over five years. Text messages presented showed Gardner and a friend using code words like "funeral potatoes" and "doing magic" to discuss the murder plot. Gardner and her husband, Mario Fernandez Saldana, are charged in the murder-for-hire of Bridegan, who was killed on February 16, 2022.
Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez defense teams move to remove State Attorney's Office
The defense teams for Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez filed motions to remove the State Attorney's Office Fourth Judicial Circuit from the case, alleging misconduct and violations of attorney-client privilege. A ruling on these motions was expected on May 2, 2024.
April 2024 — 1 developments
Judge London Kite to Directly Oversee State Attorney's Office Prosecution Decisions
Judge London Kite issued an order in April 2024 to directly handle decisions regarding the State Attorney's Office's involvement in the prosecution, vacating the use of an independent magistrate. This change means the judge will oversee issues previously handled by a magistrate.
February 2024 — 1 developments
Documents Show Henry Tenon Drove Murder Route Twice Before Killing
Newly released documents reveal GPS evidence showing Henry Tenon twice drove the murder route in the month before the killing, indicating a 'practice run' for the ambush.
December 2023 — 1 developments
Shanna Gardner Waives Right to Speedy Trial in Joint Court Appearance
Shanna Gardner waived her right to a speedy trial during her first joint court appearance with Mario Fernandez-Saldana on December 1, 2023.
November 2023 — 1 developments
Judge Rules Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana to be Tried Together for Jared Bridegan Murder
A judge rules that Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana will be tried together, though with separate juries, for the murder of Jared Bridegan.
August 2023 — 1 developments
Shanna Gardner arrested, indicted for murder of ex-husband Jared Bridegan
Shanna Gardner, Jared Bridegan's ex-wife, is arrested in Washington and indicted on charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, solicitation to commit a capital felony, and child abuse.
March 2023 — 2 developments
Henry Tenon pleads guilty to second-degree murder, agrees to testify
Henry Tenon pleads guilty to second-degree murder with a weapon and agrees to testify truthfully against any co-defendants, facing a sentence of 15 years to life in prison.
Mario Fernandez-Saldana arrested, indicted for murder and child abuse in Central Florida
Mario Fernandez-Saldana, Shanna Gardner's husband, is arrested in Central Florida and indicted by a Duval County grand jury on charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, solicitation to commit a capital felony, and child abuse.
January 2023 — 1 developments
Henry Tenon arrested in connection with Jared Bridegan's murder
Henry Tenon is arrested in connection with Jared Bridegan's murder.
October 2022 — 1 developments
Investigators obtain Henry Tenon's financial and phone records
Investigators obtain Henry Tenon's financial records, revealing the suspicious checks from Mario Fernandez-Saldana, and phone records showing numerous contacts between Tenon and Fernandez-Saldana.
March 2022 — 1 developments
Henry Tenon receives $10,000 in checks from Mario Fernandez-Saldana for landscaping and roof repairs
Henry Tenon, the confessed gunman, begins receiving a series of three checks totaling $10,000 from Mario Fernandez-Saldana, disguised as payments for landscaping and roof repairs.