Florida Suspect to Face Trial in High-Profile Murder-for-Hire Case
A Florida man accused of orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot in the 2022 killing of Microsoft executive Jared Bridegan is preparing to face trial, despite prosecutors dismissing two of the original charges ahead of jury selection.
Mario Fernandez Saldana, 38, will still stand trial on several major charges, including first-degree murder and solicitation to commit a capital felony. Prosecutors recently withdrew the charges of conspiracy to commit murder and child abuse, but the case against him continues on the remaining counts.
Prosecutors Allege Planned Ambush Led to Deadly Shooting
According to court allegations, Bridegan, 33, was driving with his young daughter on February 16, 2022, when he stopped to remove a tire that had been intentionally placed in the roadway in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.
Investigators claim the tire was part of a planned ambush. As Bridegan exited his vehicle, he was shot multiple times at close range. His two-year-old daughter, who remained in the vehicle, was not physically harmed. Prosecutors allege Saldana hired his tenant, Henry Tenon, to carry out the killing.
Multiple Defendants Face Separate Court Proceedings
The case has resulted in criminal charges against three individuals. Along with Saldana, his former wife, Shanna Gardner-Fernandez, has been charged in connection with the alleged murder plot. She has pleaded not guilty.
Henry Tenon, the alleged gunman, initially admitted involvement before later withdrawing his confession and also entering a not guilty plea. Prosecutors have argued that the alleged motive behind the killing was an ongoing custody dispute involving Bridegan.
Jury selection for Saldana is scheduled to begin in August 2026. Gardner-Fernandez’s trial is expected to follow later that month, while Tenon’s trial is currently scheduled for March 2027. All defendants continue to deny the allegations against them.
