Jared Bridegan murder case
Henry Tenon's trial for the murder of Jared Bridegan has been rescheduled to March 29, 2027, significantly later than the trials for alleged co-conspirators Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez Saldana, which are set for late summer 2026. As of July 28, 2026, Tenon is due for a pretrial hearing on July 27, 2026, after withdrawing his guilty plea and entering a not-guilty plea earlier in 2026. New court documents from June 6, 2026, allege Mario Fernandez Saldana called Shanna Gardner the "mastermind" and attempted to frame Bridegan's widow, Kirsten Bridegan, by conspiring with an inmate. A judge ruled on May 26, 2026, that a sworn statement made by Tenon in March 2023 is admissible evidence, while statements from plea negotiations are suppressed.
Timeline
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July 2026 — 3 developments
Prosecutor: Henry Tenon not alone at Jared Bridegan murder scene; DNA found on tire
A prosecutor revealed on July 31, 2026, that Henry Tenon was not alone at the scene when Jared Bridegan was killed. Tenon's DNA was found on a tire from the vehicle that fled the scene, though he was not the driver. Tenon's trial is scheduled for March 29, 2027.
Henry Tenon's Jared Bridegan Murder Trial Delayed to March 2027
Henry Tenon's trial for the murder of Jared Bridegan has been rescheduled to March 29, 2027, significantly later than the trials for alleged co-conspirators Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez Saldana, which are set for late summer 2026. Tenon is due for a pretrial hearing on July 27, 2026.
Judge Rules on Request for Kirsten Bridegan's Phone Records in Jared Bridegan Murder Case
Judge Kite ruled that a request for Kirsten Bridegan's phone records in the Jared Bridegan murder case can proceed through a sealed in-camera hearing. This ruling follows a July 21, 2026, hearing concerning Shanna Gardner's defense team's request.
June 2026 — 4 developments
Henry Tenon's trial date set for March 2027 in Jared Bridegan murder case
Henry Tenon, accused in the murder-for-hire plot against Jared Bridegan, has had his trial date set for March 29, 2027. This follows his withdrawal of a guilty plea and entry of a not-guilty plea earlier in 2026. A judge previously ruled that a sworn statement from March 2023 could be admitted as evidence, while statements from plea negotiations would be suppressed.
Saldana called Gardner 'mastermind' in Bridegan murder; Tenon withdraws guilty plea
New court documents allege Mario Fernandez Saldana called Shanna Gardner the "mastermind" in the Jared Bridegan murder-for-hire case and attempted to frame Bridegan's widow. Henry Tenon has withdrawn his guilty plea and entered a not-guilty plea, meaning he will not testify against co-defendants Gardner and Saldana.
Jared Bridegan murder case: New evidence suggests plot to frame Kirsten Bridegan
New evidence suggests Mario Fernandez Saldana conspired with an inmate to frame Kirsten Bridegan for her husband's murder. This alleged plot involved sending letters to media and law enforcement to cast doubt on Henry Tenon's testimony. A judge ruled on May 26, 2026, on Tenon's motion to preclude statements made during plea negotiations, admitting a sworn statement while excluding others.
Judge Allows Gardner's Defense to Question Bridegan's Widow in Murder Case
A judge agreed on June 1, 2026, to allow Shanna Gardner's defense team to ask more questions of Jared Bridegan's widow ahead of the trial. This development occurs as Henry Tenon, a key figure in the murder-for-hire case, faces legal proceedings regarding his plea and statements.
May 2026 — 5 developments
Judge Rules Henry Tenon's Sworn Statement Admissible in Jared Bridegan Murder Trial
A judge ruled on May 26, 2026, that a sworn statement made by accused gunman Henry Tenon on March 15, 2023, is admissible in his upcoming murder trial. While some statements made during plea negotiations will be blocked, the judge found Tenon knowingly waived his right to silence. Tenon is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on June 17, 2026, to set a trial date, with potential dates in 2027 being considered.
Judge rules sworn statement by Henry Tenon admissible in Jared Bridegan murder case
A judge ruled that a sworn statement made by accused gunman Henry Tenon in March 2023 is admissible evidence in the Jared Bridegan murder-for-hire case. However, statements made during a February 2023 proffer meeting were deemed inadmissible.
Judge Rules Henry Tenon's Statement Admissible in Jared Bridegan Murder Trial
A Florida judge ruled on May 26, 2026, that a sworn statement made by Henry Tenon to prosecutors is admissible in his upcoming murder trial. Tenon is accused of being the hitman in the murder-for-hire plot that killed Microsoft executive Jared Bridegan. The judge found that Tenon knowingly waived his right to silence for the statement made in the prosecutor's office.
Henry Tenon's plea statements admissibility hearing held; ruling due May 26
A motion hearing was held on May 13, 2026, concerning the admissibility of statements made by Henry Tenon during plea negotiations in the Jared Bridegan murder trial. Tenon's attorney argued these statements are inadmissible under Florida law. Judge London Kite indicated a ruling would be made on May 26.
Henry Tenon's defense seeks to suppress plea negotiation statements in Bridegan murder case
Henry Tenon's defense attorneys argued in court on May 13, 2026, to suppress statements made during plea negotiations in 2023. The defense contends these statements, made under the belief they were protected, should not be admissible in court. Tenon had previously pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against co-defendants Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez Saldana before withdrawing his plea in February 2026.
April 2026 — 2 developments
Prosecutors withdraw death penalty for Gardner, Saldana after Tenon's plea withdrawal
Henry Tenon's trial is scheduled to begin with jury selection in August, while co-defendants Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez Saldana will go to trial on August 10, 2026. Prosecutors have withdrawn their intent to seek the death penalty against Gardner and Saldana following Tenon's withdrawal of his guilty plea and claims of false testimony.
Judge Rules Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez to Have Separate Trials in Bridegan Murder Case
A judge ruled that Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez will have separate trials in the Jared Bridegan murder case, with Mario Fernandez's trial set to begin in August. Henry Tenon's case will proceed separately, with no trial date yet set for him.
March 2026 — 3 developments
Henry Tenon pleads not guilty to first-degree murder in Jared Bridegan case
Henry Tenon pleaded not guilty to a first-degree murder indictment in the Jared Bridegan case during a pre-trial hearing in late March 2026. Prosecutors have stated they will not seek the death penalty against Tenon. This development follows his earlier withdrawal of a guilty plea to second-degree murder.
Henry Tenon seeks to exclude prior plea statements in Jared Bridegan murder trial
Henry Tenon, accused in the Jared Bridegan murder, has filed a motion to exclude his prior plea statements from his upcoming trial. His legal team argues these statements are inadmissible under Florida law. Tenon previously withdrew his guilty plea and faces first-degree murder charges.
Henry Tenon withdraws plea in Shanna Gardner murder case, will proceed to trial
New evidence released in the Shanna Gardner case includes text messages allegedly showing Gardner discussing the murder of Jared Bridegan with friends. Henry Tenon, who previously pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against Gardner and Mario Fernandez Saldana, has withdrawn his plea and will proceed to trial. Gardner and Saldana are charged with hiring Tenon to commit the murder.
February 2026 — 4 developments
Henry Tenon Indicted for First-Degree Murder, Child Abuse, and Firearm Possession
Henry Tenon has been indicted by a grand jury for first-degree murder, child abuse, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, according to Duval County court records. This indictment comes days after Tenon's motion to withdraw his guilty plea was approved, allowing him to proceed to trial. Tenon is accused of shooting and killing Jared Bridegan on February 16, 2022.
Henry Tenon withdraws guilty plea in Jared Bridegan murder case, requests trial
Henry Tenon changed his plea to not guilty in the murder of Jared Bridegan and had his guilty plea to second-degree murder withdrawn by Judge London Kite. Tenon stated, "I want a trial," and his case will now proceed separately from co-defendants Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez Saldana. His plea deal, which involved testifying against them in exchange for a reduced sentence, is now off the table.
Henry Tenon's Guilty Plea Withdrawal Approved, Will Now Proceed to Trial
Henry Tenon, who had previously pleaded guilty to his role in the murder of Jared Bridegan and agreed to testify against co-defendants, has had his motion to withdraw his guilty plea approved. This means Tenon will now proceed to trial, impacting the cases against Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez.
Henry Tenon Files Motion to Withdraw Guilty Plea
Henry Tenon filed a motion to withdraw his guilty plea, potentially leading to him going to trial with Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana.
February 2025 — 1 developments
Tenon's "False Testimony" Claim Prompts Attorney Requests for Information
New court documents revealed Tenon's claim of "false testimony," prompting requests from Mario Fernandez's attorneys for information regarding the context of these statements and why Tenon had not returned to court.
January 2025 — 1 developments
Henry Tenon admits prior testimony was "false testimony" during court hearing
During a court hearing, Henry Tenon stated that his prior testimony was "false testimony."
January 2023 — 1 developments
Henry Tenon Pleads Guilty to Second-Degree Murder, Agrees to 15-Year Sentence
Henry Tenon pleaded guilty to second-degree murder as part of a deal with prosecutors, agreeing to a 15-year prison sentence in exchange for his testimony against Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana.
March 2022 — 1 developments
Mario Fernandez Saldana Arrested, Indicted in Bridegan Murder Case
Mario Fernandez Saldana, the husband of Bridegan's ex-wife Shanna Gardner, was arrested and indicted on charges related to Bridegan's murder. Henry Tenon had pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and agreed to testify against Fernandez Saldana and Gardner.
February 2022 — 3 developments
Tenon Accused of Accessory After the Fact in Murder Case
Tenon is also accused of "accessory after the fact" from the day of the murder through August 19, 2022.
Tenon's next court appearance in Bridegan murder case scheduled
Tenon's next court appearance in the Bridegan murder case was scheduled for this date.
Jared Bridegan shot and killed in murder-for-hire plot
Jared Bridegan was shot and killed in what is described as a murder-for-hire plot.
January 2022 — 2 developments
Henry Tenon arrested by Jacksonville Beach Police on criminal conspiracy charges
Henry Tenon was arrested by Jacksonville Beach Police on charges related to the criminal conspiracy.
Prosecutors pinpoint start date of Jared Bridegan murder conspiracy
Prosecutors believe the conspiracy to murder Jared Bridegan began on this date.