Florida jury deliberates in the alleged murder-for-hire killing of a Microsoft manager

A Florida jury began deliberations on Wednesday in the shooting of Microsoft design manager Jared Bridegan, who was allegedly killed in a murder-for-hire scheme orchestrated by his wealthy ex-wife Shanna Gardner and her husband. Bridegan was shot dead in Jacksonville Beach in 2022 after removing a tire from the road. Prosecutors allege that the attack was the result of a longstanding joint custody dispute with Gardner and other parenting issues involving their twins.

Assistant State Attorney Christina Stifler stated during closing arguments that Bridegan was unarmed, unaware, and vulnerable when he was killed. Defense attorney Jesse Dreicer argued that Fernandez Saldana, the alleged gunman, had no motive to kill Bridegan and that there was no testimony that he had expressed any desire for Bridegan's death.

The defense noted that Fernandez Saldana and Gardner are estranged, with Gardner moving to Washington state after the killing. Prosecutors presented evidence, including three checks totaling $10,000 written to Henry Tenon, the alleged gunman, after the homicide, which were marked as payments for handyman work and a business idea.