Ex-wife of slain Microsoft exec Jared Bridegan charged with his murder

The ex-wife of slain Microsoft government Jared Bridegan has been indicted for first-degree murder in what Florida prosecutors referred to as the “cold, calculated and premeditated murder” of the daddy of 4.

Shanna Gardner used to be indicted via a grand jury on Thursday for first-degree murder, a capital criminal, in addition to conspiracy to devote first-degree murder and kid abuse, prosecutors mentioned.

Bridegan, 33, used to be shot and killed within the heart of a Jacksonville Beach side road remaining 12 months in what government described as a focused ambush.

Gardner used to be arrested in West Richland, Washington, and might be extradited to Duval County, government mentioned. Her remaining identify has been in the past reported as Gardner-Fernandez, even though the indictment and prosecutors check with her as Gardner.

Her legal professional declined to remark to ABC News.

Gardner denied any involvement in her ex-husband’s murder remaining 12 months throughout her best tv interview.

“Any time divorce comes into any situation it’s messy,” she told Jacksonville station WJAX in July 2022.

“Even though we didn’t always get along, he was still the father of my kids,” she mentioned.

Gardner is the 3rd particular person to be charged in connection with the murder.

Her present husband, Mario Fernandez Saldana, used to be indicted via a grand jury on more than one fees, together with first-degree murder, 5 months in the past. Fernandez Saldana’s former tenant, Henry Tenon, used to be arrested previous this 12 months and is accused of pulling the cause.

“This investigation has uncovered the truth of Jared’s murder,” State Attorney Melissa Nelson, who’s prosecuting the case, mentioned throughout a press briefing Thursday. “Henry Tenon did not act alone. Mario Fernandez did not plan alone, and Shanna Gardner’s indictment acknowledges her central and key role in the cold, calculated and premeditated murder of Jared Bridegan.”

Bridegan used to be using his then-2-year-old daughter in Jacksonville Beach in February 2022 when he discovered a tire blocking off his trail, police mentioned. When he stepped out of the auto, government mentioned he used to be ambushed and murdered.

Nearly a 12 months later, in January 2023, Tenon used to be arrested in connection with the deadly capturing. He has since pleaded responsible to second-degree murder and is cooperating with prosecutors.

Fernandez Saldana used to be charged with first-degree murder in March in connection with Bridegan’s demise and has pleaded no longer responsible. Prosecutors have mentioned they’re going to search the demise penalty in his case.

Nelson has in the past mentioned the tenant-landlord courting used to be the “single link” tying Tenon to Bridegan.

Prosecutors may also search the demise penalty in opposition to Gardner, government mentioned.

“We promised at the outset of this investigation, we would not relent until we uncovered the truth of Jared’s murder,” Nelson mentioned.

The night time he used to be killed, Bridegan used to be using house after losing off twins he stocks with his ex-wife when he discovered the tire and used to be shot, police mentioned.

Bridegan additionally had two kids with his spouse, Kirsten Bridegan — the then-2-year-old and a more youthful daughter who used to be house with his spouse on the time of the capturing.

Gardner’s folks spoke back to her indictment on Thursday.

“Words cannot accurately express the depth of our sadness,” her folks, Shelli and Sterling Gardner, mentioned. “Family is our top priority. We love our daughter and are focused on supporting her and our entire family as we help our grandchildren navigate this difficult and very confusing time.”

“For their sake and all involved, we caution against further speculation and request privacy as the legal process runs its course,” they added.