The murder-for-hire trial of Mario Fernandez, accused in the 2022 shooting death of Microsoft executive Jared Bridegan, is set to begin Monday in Duval County, Florida, but without its once-anticipated star witness. Henry Tenon, 65, who had confessed to being the gunman, has recanted his testimony, withdrawn from a plea deal, and pleaded not guilty.
Fernandez, 38, the ex-husband of Bridegan's former wife, Shanna Gardner, 39, faces charges of first-degree murder and solicitation to commit a capital felony. Prosecutors allege that Fernandez was part of a murder-for-hire plot orchestrated by Gardner following years of contentious litigation with Bridegan. Tenon had previously accepted a plea deal that would have resulted in a 15-year-to-life sentence in exchange for testifying against Fernandez and Gardner. Gardner's trial is scheduled for September.
Despite Tenon's withdrawal, prosecutors stated last week that they possess "overwhelming evidence" that the gunman did not act alone and have identified two suspects fleeing the scene of the crime. Assistant State Attorney Alan Mizrahi indicated that one person fled on foot and another in a vehicle. A source familiar with the case suggested this new evidence could imply Fernandez was not only involved in the plot but also physically present at the scene on the night of the murder.
Bridegan, 33, was shot and killed on February 16, 2022, while driving home to his second wife, Kirsten, and their two young children. He had just dropped off his twins from his first marriage, Liam and Abby, then nine years old, following a Wednesday "date night" tradition. Less than two miles from Gardner and Fernandez's home, Bridegan stopped his Volkswagen Atlas to remove a tire placed in the road on Sanctuary Boulevard. He was shot multiple times at close range next to his vehicle, with his youngest daughter, Bexley, then two, a witness from the back seat.
Investigators claim Gardner, Fernandez, and Tenon conspired in the murder. Gardner allegedly masterminded the hit, Fernandez allegedly paid the shooter, and Tenon allegedly fired the fatal shots. Both Gardner and Fernandez have pleaded not guilty.
Court documents reveal a six-year history of escalating litigation between Bridegan and Gardner following their 2015 divorce. Gardner, whose parents are wealthy due to co-founding a direct sales company, initially accused Bridegan of threatening their children's trust funds. Bridegan denied these allegations. Filings from Bridegan accused Gardner of locking him out of the master bedroom, installing surveillance devices, and speaking disparagingly to him in front of their children in an attempt to gain an advantage in custody disputes. The couple also clashed over their son's medical treatment and travel arrangements.
Tensions reportedly intensified when Gardner remarried Fernandez in 2018. Bridegan allegedly expressed concerns about Fernandez's involvement with the children. A police report obtained shortly after Gardner and Fernandez's marriage documented an investigation into Fernandez for animal cruelty involving a BB gun and threats against local stray cats. Fernandez was reportedly aggressive during the police interview and stated he would take "extreme actions" if the situation did not improve. He was not prosecuted as follow-up attempts were unsuccessful.
In the final court filing before Bridegan's death, Gardner accused him of prioritizing her humiliation over their son's well-being, alleging he withheld necessary medical equipment unless she apologized for unspecified "transgressions." Prosecutors now assert this history of acrimony provides the backdrop for the alleged murder-for-hire plot.
Fernandez is considered by prosecutors to be the sole link between Tenon and Bridegan. Financial records show Fernandez wrote three checks totaling $10,000 to Tenon in the two months following the murder. Despite Tenon's initial claims of no contact, phone records indicate numerous communications between the two men in the months surrounding the killing.
Sources close to the prosecution have indicated that efforts were made to secure a plea deal for Fernandez in exchange for testimony against Gardner, whom they believe to be the central figure in the conspiracy.