Jared Bridegan murder case
On April 9, 2026, a judge ruled that Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana will have separate trials in the Jared Bridegan murder-for-hire case in Florida. As of April 13, 2026, jury selection for Fernandez-Saldana is scheduled to begin August 10, 2026, and for Gardner on August 31, 2026, following the alleged triggerman Henry Tenon's withdrawal of his guilty plea and cessation of cooperation. Prosecutors have withdrawn their intent to seek the death penalty for both Gardner and Fernandez-Saldana, and Fernandez-Saldana's bond request was denied on March 12, 2026, due to substantial evidence including surveillance video, DNA, and cellphone data.
Timeline
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April 2026 — 2 developments
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.
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.
Jury selection for Mario Fernandez-Saldana is scheduled for August 10-14, 2026, with his trial set for August 17-28, 2026.
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Prosecutors have withdrawn their intent to seek the death penalty for Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana in the Jared Bridegan murder-for-hire case.
Prosecutors have withdrawn their intent to seek the death penalty for Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana in the Jared Bridegan murder-for-hire case.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.
A judge has denied a bond request for Mario Fernandez-Saldana, who is accused of orchestrating the murder of Jared Bridegan.
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.
Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana are undergoing pre-trial proceedings for the murder of Ja…
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's bond request was denied on March 12, 2026, due to substantial evidence including surveillance video, DNA, and cellphone data.
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.
New video evidence has been released showing police interviewing Kim Jensen, a close friend of Shanna Gardner, in May 2022 and February 2023.
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, accused in the murder-for-hire plot of Jared Bridegan, is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on March 12, 2026.
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.
New evidence, including text messages allegedly showing Shanna Gardner expressing violent thoughts a…
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 of orchestrating the murder-for-hire plot of Jared Bridegan, has filed a motion seeking 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, the state's key witness in the Jared Bridegan murder case, has withdrawn his guilty plea and will now face trial.
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, the state's key witness who previously confessed to his role in Jared Bridegan's murder…
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
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.
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 are scheduled to return to court on February 6, 2026, with jury selection set to begin on February 10, 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.
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.
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 was found to have drug and theft violations while incarcerated, dating back to April 2024.
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 have announced they will no longer seek the death penalty for Shanna Gardner and Mario F…
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.
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.
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, the confessed hitman and star witness in the Jared Bridegan murder case, reportedly changed his 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.
Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana attended a pre-trial hearing in Duval County court on November 14, 2025.
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
Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana, accused in the murder of Jared Bridegan, have a trial date set for August 3, 2026.
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.
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.
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, the confessed hitman, is reportedly attempting to hire a new attorney and withdraw his guilty plea.
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.
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.
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.
The trial for Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana has been scheduled to begin on August 3, 20…
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
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.
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 stated that 'nothing' was discussed with Henry Tenon after he alleged 'false testimony,'…
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 team is seeking to unseal the grand jury testimony of lead investigator Detective Christopher Johns, alleging potential perjury and withheld evidence.
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
During a September 2024 court appearance, discussions focused on new text messages and financial tra…
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 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.
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 announced their intention to present new evidence, including jail calls and digital data…
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.
Prosecutors in Florida intend to introduce new evidence, including jail calls and digital evidence, …
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 informed Judge London M.
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.
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.
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.
The defense teams for Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez filed motions to remove the State Attorney'…
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 issued an order in April 2024 to directly handle decisions regarding the State Att…
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
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.
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 waived her right to a speedy trial during her first joint court appearance with Mario Fernandez-Saldana on December 1, 2023.
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
A judge rules that Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana will be tried together, though with separate juries, for the murder of Jared Bridegan.
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, Jared Bridegan's ex-wife, is arrested in Washington and indicted on charges of first…
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 with a weapon and agrees to testify truthfully against any co-defendants, facing a sentence of 15 years to life in prison.
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, Shanna Gardner's husband, is arrested in Central Florida and indicted by a …
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 is 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 records, revealing the suspicious checks from Mario Fer…
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, 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.
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.