Jared Bridegan murder case
Shanna Gardner's defense team was granted limited access to text messages between Jared Bridegan's widow and a witness, E.F., on July 25, 2026, in the ongoing murder case. As of July 25, 2026, Gardner, charged with first-degree murder in connection with her ex-husband's 2022 killing, faces a postponed jury selection to August 2026, with her trial to follow. The defense also secured permission on July 22, 2026, to subpoena phone records from the victim's widow, Kirsten Bridegan, despite prosecutors labeling it a "fishing expedition." A judge previously ruled on June 9, 2026, that wiretap evidence against Gardner is admissible, and a jailhouse informant claims co-defendant Mario Fernandez called Gardner the "mastermind" behind the killing.
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July 2026 — 5 developments
Jared Bridegan Murder Case: Judge Grants Limited Access to Widow's Phone Records for Defense
Shanna Gardner's defense team has been granted limited access to text messages between Jared Bridegan's widow and a witness, E.F., following a July 2026 ruling. The judge denied broader access to the widow's phone due to privacy concerns, while the defense argued the communications could indicate witness tampering.
Jared Bridegan Murder Case: Judge Allows Subpoena of Widow's Phone Records
The defense in the Jared Bridegan murder case was granted permission to subpoena phone records from the victim's widow, Kirsten Bridegan. Shanna Gardner faces charges of first-degree murder in connection with the 2022 murder of her ex-husband.
Jared Bridegan Murder Case: Judge Allows Subpoena of Widow's Phone Records
Judge London Kite ruled that Shanna Gardner's defense can subpoena some of Kirsten Bridegan's phone records. The judge also addressed motions concerning witness testimony, directing attorneys to return with more specific questions regarding a key witness's potential Fifth Amendment invocation.
Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez Saldana Trial Dates Delayed
Jury selection for Shanna Gardner's murder trial has been postponed to August 2026, with her husband Mario Fernandez Saldana's trial also delayed. This development follows a June 2026 ruling allowing prosecutors to use wiretap evidence against Gardner, despite defense objections.
Jared Bridegan Murder Case: Hearings Address Informant Testimony, Limit Widow's Deposition
Prosecutors argued against Shanna Gardner's defense team's request for Jared Bridegan's widow's phone records, labeling it a "fishing expedition." A hearing is scheduled to address the use of jailhouse informant Emmanuel Alexander's testimony, and a judge has limited the scope of Kirsten Bridegan's second deposition. Gardner and co-defendant Mario Fernandez Saldana are slated for separate trials beginning August 2026.
June 2026 — 5 developments
Judge Denies Shanna Gardner's Motion to Exclude Evidence; New Allegations Surface in Bridegan Murder Case
A judge denied Shanna Gardner's motion to exclude evidence from court-authorized wiretaps in the Jared Bridegan murder case. New court documents also allege co-defendant Mario Fernandez called Gardner the 'mastermind' behind the killing and attempted to frame Bridegan's widow. Gardner's trial is scheduled to begin with jury selection on August 31, with the trial running from September 8-25.
Shanna Gardner's defense granted limited second deposition of Jared Bridegan's widow
Shanna Gardner's defense team has been granted a limited second deposition of Jared Bridegan's widow, Kirsten Bridegan. This follows claims that Kirsten Bridegan refused to answer over 100 questions during her initial deposition. The ruling comes as prosecutors are permitted to use wiretap evidence against Gardner in the murder-for-hire plot of her ex-husband.
Jailhouse informant: Mario Fernandez called Shanna Gardner 'mastermind' in Bridegan murder plot
A jailhouse informant claims Mario Fernandez told him that Shanna Gardner was the "mastermind" behind the Jared Bridegan killing and that they discussed framing the victim's widow. These statements were allegedly made by Fernandez to fellow inmate Emmanuel Alexander between May 2025 and March 2026.
Judge Rules Wiretap Evidence Admissible in Shanna Gardner's Murder Trial
A judge ruled that evidence obtained from court-authorized wiretaps on Shanna Gardner's electronics can be used in her upcoming trial for the murder-for-hire plot of her ex-husband, Jared Bridegan. Gardner's defense attorneys had sought to suppress this evidence, arguing law enforcement lacked probable cause for the wiretaps. Henry Tenon, who pleaded guilty to the shooting, has since changed his plea to not guilty.
Judge Orders Second Deposition for Jared Bridegan's Widow Amid Murder Case Developments
In the Jared Bridegan murder case, a judge ruled in June 2026 that Kirsten Bridegan, the victim's widow, must undergo a second deposition. This ruling comes as jury selection for co-defendants Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez Saldana is scheduled for August 2026, with their trials to follow in September 2026.
May 2026 — 1 developments
Shanna Gardner indictment updated with new evidence and pre-trial hearing details
A pre-trial hearing on May 13, 2026, addressed arguments concerning statements made by Henry Tenon during plea negotiations, with a decision expected by May 26, 2026. Prosecutors allege new documents released in March 2026, including text messages, demonstrate Gardner's discussions about harming her ex-husband. Shanna Gardner faces charges including first-degree murder and conspiracy.
April 2026 — 4 developments
Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana trial dates set for August and September 2026
Shanna Gardner's jury selection is set for August 31, 2026, with her trial commencing September 8, 2026. Mario Fernandez-Saldana's jury selection is scheduled for August 10, 2026, with his trial starting August 17, 2026. These dates follow a defense motion to suppress wiretap evidence.
Shanna Gardner's Defense Files Motion to Suppress Wiretap Evidence in Murder Case
Shanna Gardner's defense attorneys filed a motion in April 2026 to suppress evidence from wiretaps, arguing law enforcement lacked probable cause. Gardner faces murder charges in connection with the death of her ex-husband, Jared Bridegan. Her trial is scheduled to begin with jury selection on August 31, 2026.
Gardner and Fernandez Saldana to have separate trials in Bridegan murder case
Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez Saldana will have separate trials in the Jared Bridegan murder case. Fernandez Saldana's trial begins with jury selection on August 10, 2026, and Gardner's trial will start jury selection on August 31, 2026. This decision follows the alleged triggerman's withdrawal of his guilty plea and decision not to testify.
Judge sets new trial dates for Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez for August 2026
A judge has set new trial dates for Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez for August 3, 2026, pushing back from previous dates, and expressed concerns about using a single jury for both defendants. A future hearing is scheduled for April 9, 2026.
March 2026 — 3 developments
Shanna Gardner's Attorneys Seek Sanctions Against Prosecutors for Alleged Discovery Violations
Shanna Gardner's attorneys filed a motion seeking sanctions against prosecutors, alleging discovery violations and abuse of authority related to the handling of her devices and attorney-client communications. Gardner faces murder charges in connection with the 2022 death of her ex-husband, Jared Bridegan.
Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez appear in court for pre-trial hearing in Jared Bridegan murder case
Shanna Gardner and her estranged husband, Mario Fernandez, accused of plotting the 2022 murder of Jared Bridegan, appeared in court for a pre-trial hearing on March 5, 2026. Both have pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and other charges. The hearing also addressed a motion for bond release for Fernandez, and noted that the accused gunman, Henry Tenon, has withdrawn his guilty plea and will proceed to trial.
Prosecution releases new evidence, including coded texts, against Shanna Gardner in murder case
New evidence, including text messages allegedly exchanged with friends using code words like “funeral potatoes” and “doing magic,” has been released in the prosecution's case against Shanna Gardner. Gardner and her husband, Mario Fernandez Saldana, are charged with hiring Henry Tenon to murder Bridegan, who was shot to death on February 16, 2022. Tenon, who initially pleaded guilty, withdrew his plea and will now go to trial.
February 2026 — 4 developments
Mario Fernandez-Saldana, accused in Jared Bridegan murder, files motion seeking bond
Mario Fernandez-Saldana, accused of helping orchestrate the 2022 murder of Jared Bridegan, has filed a motion seeking bond. Fernandez-Saldana faces charges including first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Prosecutors describe Bridegan's killing as a "murder-for-hire plot" orchestrated by Gardner and Fernandez-Saldana.
Henry Tenon Indicted for First-Degree Murder in Jared Bridegan Killing
Henry Tenon, who confessed to killing Jared Bridegan, has been indicted by a Duval County grand jury on first-degree murder and child abuse charges. His second-degree murder charge has been upgraded to first-degree, and he will now go to trial after his request to withdraw his guilty plea was approved. Police and prosecutors consider Bridegan's killing a "murder-for-hire plot" orchestrated by his ex-wife, Shanna Gardner, and her husband.
Henry Tenon's motion to withdraw guilty plea approved in Jared Bridegan murder case
Henry Tenon, who previously confessed to his role as the gunman in the murder-for-hire plot of Jared Bridegan, has had his motion to withdraw his guilty plea approved and will now proceed to trial. Tenon is charged alongside Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana, who have pleaded not guilty. The murder occurred on February 16, 2022.
Henry Tenon seeks to withdraw guilty plea in Jared Bridegan murder case, claims false testimony
Henry Tenon, who had pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of Jared Bridegan and agreed to testify against Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez Saldana, is now seeking to withdraw his plea. Tenon claims his testimony against Gardner and Saldana was false and he no longer intends to testify.
January 2026 — 2 developments
Judge restricts discovery materials for Fernandez, blocks evidence release for Gardner
In a pre-trial hearing on September 20, 2025, a judge granted a motion restricting the disclosure of some discovery materials related to Mario Fernandez and allowed out-of-state witnesses to appear via Zoom. Separately, on January 22, 2026, a judge granted Shanna Gardner's motion to block the release of certain evidence before her trial.
Judge denies defense motion for clarity from confessed hitman Henry Tenon
A judge denied a motion from Mario Fernandez-Saldana's defense team that sought clarity from confessed hitman Henry Tenon. Separately, a civil wrongful death case filed by Jared Bridegan's widow will not proceed until after the criminal murder trial concludes.
December 2025 — 1 developments
Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez Murder-for-Hire Trial Set for Summer 2026
Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez are on track for their murder-for-hire trial in summer 2026, with jury selection specifically slated for August 10, 2026.
November 2025 — 1 developments
Prosecutors withdraw death penalty for Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez in Bridegan murder case
Prosecutors have withdrawn their intent to seek the death penalty for Shanna Gardner and her husband, Mario Fernandez, in the murder-for-hire case of Jared Bridegan.
October 2025 — 1 developments
Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez Saldana Trial Postponed
The initial trial date for Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez Saldana is set, but later postponed.
July 2025 — 4 developments
Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez murder trial delayed until August 2026
The trial for Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez, accused in the 2022 murder-for-hire of Jared Bridegan, has been delayed until August 2026. Bridegan's widow is seeking $100,000 from Gardner, Fernandez, and Henry Tenon for wrongful death. Henry Tenon, who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, is also involved in the case.
Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez trial postponed until August 2026
The trial for Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez was postponed until August 3, 2026, with jury selection expected to last a week and involve up to 500 potential jurors.
Judge Kite grants Shanna Gardner's defense access to jailhouse informant communications
Shanna Gardner's attorneys filed a motion in July 2025 to obtain communications from jailhouse informants, which Judge London Kite granted, allowing the defense team to access these communications.
Henry Tenon's Public Defender Withdraws, New Attorney Appointed
Henry Tenon's public defender withdraws from the case due to a conflict of interest, and a new attorney is appointed.
February 2025 — 2 developments
Shanna Gardner had multiple jailhouse violations in April and June 2024
New documents reveal that Shanna Gardner, awaiting trial for the murder of Jared Bridegan, had multiple jailhouse violations in April and June 2024. These violations include possession of contraband and drugs. Gardner faces charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Shanna Gardner committed drug and theft violations while incarcerated
Discipline reports reveal that murder suspect Shanna Gardner committed drug and theft violations while incarcerated, including possession of narcotics in April 2024 and theft in August 2024.
January 2025 — 1 developments
Henry Tenon retracts testimony, seeks new attorney, potentially impacting plea deal
Henry Tenon states in court that his previous testimony was false and requests a new attorney, potentially impacting his plea deal.
September 2024 — 1 developments
Judge Denies Shanna Gardner's Bond Motion
A judge denies Shanna Gardner's motion to be released on bond.
March 2024 — 1 developments
Shanna Gardner's Attorneys File Motion to Dismiss Indictment in Ex-Husband's Murder-for-Hire Plot
Attorneys for Shanna Gardner have filed a motion to dismiss her indictment in the murder-for-hire plot of her ex-husband, Jared Bridegan.
August 2023 — 2 developments
Shanna Gardner arrested in Washington on murder charges in Jared Bridegan case
Shanna Gardner was arrested in Washington state in August 2023, facing charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in connection with the death of her ex-husband, Jared Bridegan. Bridegan was shot in February 2022 after encountering a tire placed in the road, a tactic authorities believe was used to lure him to his death, with his two-year-old daughter in the car at the time. Two co-defendants have been indicted: Henry Tenon, who pleaded guilty and agreed to testify.
Shanna Gardner arrested, indicted on murder, conspiracy, solicitation, and child abuse charges
Shanna Gardner, Bridegan's ex-wife, is arrested in Washington state and indicted on charges including first-degree murder, conspiracy, solicitation, and child abuse. Prosecutors announce they will seek the death penalty against Gardner and Fernandez.
March 2023 — 2 developments
Mario Fernandez Saldana arrested, indicted on murder, conspiracy, solicitation, child abuse charges
Mario Fernandez Saldana, Shanna Gardner's husband, is arrested and indicted on charges including first-degree murder, conspiracy, solicitation, and child abuse.
Henry Tenon pleads guilty to second-degree murder, agrees to testify
Henry Tenon pleads guilty to second-degree murder and agrees to testify against others involved in the case.
February 2023 — 1 developments
Jared Bridegan's Widow Sues Henry Tenon, Shanna Gardner, Mario Fernandez Saldana for Wrongful Death
Jared Bridegan's widow, Kirsten Bridegan, files a wrongful death lawsuit against Henry Tenon, Shanna Gardner, and Mario Fernandez Saldana.
January 2023 — 1 developments
Henry Tenon arrested in connection with Bridegan's murder
Henry Tenon, the admitted gunman, is arrested in connection with Bridegan's murder.
February 2022 — 2 developments
Police launch investigation into targeted ambush murder of Jared Bridegan
Police confirm the killing was a targeted ambush, not a random act, and launch a wide investigation into the murder of Jared Bridegan.
Jared Bridegan fatally shot in Jacksonville Beach after dropping off children
Jared Bridegan, Shanna Gardner's ex-husband, is ambushed and fatally shot in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, after dropping off their children. His 2-year-old daughter was in the car.