Authorities have released the first mugshot of Shanna Gardner-Fernandez, the ex-wife of slain Microsoft executive Jared Bridegan, who is accused of orchestrating his murder. Gardner-Fernandez, 35, was booked in Duval County jail in Florida on charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and child endangerment. Despite pleading not guilty, she was extradited from Washington state to Florida and is now housed in a jail known for its controversial deaths and overcrowding.
Jared Bridegan was tragically gunned down in front of his toddler daughter in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, in February 2022. Gardner-Fernandez allegedly masterminded the plot to kill him. The arrest and extradition of Gardner-Fernandez mark a major breakthrough in the Jared Bridegan murder mystery.
The Duval County jail, where Gardner-Fernandez is now detained, has been the subject of recent controversy. The city council is currently discussing a $380 million proposal to relocate the overcrowded and rundown facility, which has experienced 12 in-custody deaths so far in 2023 and 19 deaths in 2022.
Jared and Gardner-Fernandez divorced in 2015 but remained entangled in a bitter custody and financial battle. Mario Fernandez, Gardner-Fernandez’s husband, and Henry Tenon, the admitted triggerman, were arrested months prior to Gardner-Fernandez. Tenon, a former tenant of Fernandez, is cooperating with prosecutors.
After the murder, Gardner-Fernandez severed all contact between Bridegan’s family and their shared twins. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Mario Fernandez and Gardner-Fernandez.
The case continues to unfold, with Gardner-Fernandez scheduled to return to court on November 3 for her arraignment. The developments in this high-profile murder case have drawn significant attention and scrutiny.
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