Jared Bridegan’s ex-wife, Shanna Gardener-Fernandez, has been charged with the murder of her former spouse, Jared Bridegan, 18 months after he was fatally shot in an execution-style killing.
The incident took place in February 2022 when Bridegan, aged 33, was shot on the street in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, as he dropped off his children at Gardener-Fernandez’s residence.
The shooting occurred amid a custody dispute over their two oldest children.
The case remained unsolved until recently, and it is not entirely clear what new evidence prompted the charges against Gardener-Fernandez.
New Evidence Leads to Charges and Indictment
The details surrounding the new evidence that led to the charges against Shanna Gardener-Fernandez have not been disclosed.
Authorities had been investigating the case for over a year and a half, and her indictment came as a surprise to many.
Prosecutors in Florida announced that she has been indicted by a grand jury on charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Her current husband, Mario Saldana-Fernandez, who was previously charged in connection with the murder, is also facing the death penalty.
Murder Plot and Arrests
Investigations revealed that Mario Saldana-Fernandez hired a hitman, Henry Tenon, to carry out the murder of Jared Bridegan.
The hitman lured Bridegan to the street by placing a tire in front of his vehicle while he was driving with his youngest child.
The crime remained unresolved for months until Tenon confessed to his role in the plot while being questioned for an unrelated offense.
Mario Saldana-Fernandez pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.
A Tragic Ending to an Idyllic Life
Jared Bridegan’s life took a tragic turn when he was murdered.
On the fateful day, he had just dropped off his twins at their mother’s house and was driving home with his two-year-old daughter when he encountered a tire placed in the middle of the road.
As he stepped out of his car to move the tire, he was shot and killed in an execution-style manner.
The circumstances of the crime left many puzzled, as the area was secluded with no cameras or houses nearby.
Unraveling of Lives
Jared Bridegan’s relationship with Shanna Gardener started with promise, but over time, it deteriorated.
They initially got together with the allure of wealth from Shanna’s parents and even had twins.
However, the marriage faced challenges, leading to a separation in 2015.
Their custody battle over their children continued for six years.
In the meantime, both moved on to new relationships, with Bridegan marrying Kirsten in 2017 and Shanna marrying Mario in 2018.
Shocking Transformation and Unanswered Questions
Shanna Gardener’s journey after her divorce took unexpected turns.
Those who knew her before her arrest noted a significant change in her behavior as her romance with Mario Saldana-Fernandez progressed.
From her initial image as a “normal mother,” she exhibited a transformation that surprised many.
Her connection with Mario Saldana-Fernandez remains unclear, but their path led to a shocking crime that shook the quiet Florida community.
The murder of Jared Bridegan, the subsequent arrest of his ex-wife and her new husband, and the complex circumstances surrounding the crime have left many questions unanswered.
As legal proceedings continue, the truth behind this tragic incident is slowly coming to light.
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