The ex-wife of a murdered Microsoft executive has told how she sat down with his widow to tell their children he was dead – months before she was charged with orchestrating his murder.
A tearful Shanna Gardner-Fernandez, 36, described the moment she and Jared’s widow, Kirsten Bridegan, told their children the tragic news “as a family” in a clip from an interview with Action News Jax just months after the killing Jared was taken in February 2022.
“It was a very short visit,” Shanna said. “She came by just because she asked to be there to tell the kids.” And we just wanted to be very clear that this was to honor his memory. We didn’t want too many details, even though we disagreed. I think we can all agree that we love the children and that they need to be the priority.’
After that visit, Kristen embarked on a mission for justice that lasted over a year, but eventually she saw Shanna and her now-husband Mario Fernandez-Saldana accused of hiring a hit man to kill Jared.
Jared, 33, was shot in front of his then two-year-old daughter in an execution-style killing as he drove back from dropping off his twins with Shanna at her home in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Jared had twins with Shanna and two young daughters with Kristen.
In a newly released clip from July 2022, 36-year-old Shanna Gardner-Fernandez tearfully described the moment she and Jared’s widow told their children the tragic news “as a family.”
Microsoft executive Jared Bridegan was shot and killed on February 16 in what police described as a contract killing
Mario Fernandez-Saldana’s former tenant Henry Tenon, 62, was the shooter in the murder and is said to have confessed to the conspiracy after being arrested for an unrelated crime.
In the July 2022 interview, Shanna said Jared’s death was difficult for the twins.
“It’s her father,” said the alleged murderer. “I think they were in shock. They were very emotional. And that was kind of the beginning of her, her journey.”
At the time of the murder, the former spouses were in a bitter custody battle that had been raging since their divorce in 2015 and centered around their 10-year-old twins, Abby and Liam.
Shanna told Action News Jax she met Jared on a blind date in Salt Lake City and they had a whirlwind romance.
“We got married shortly after we started dating. Within a few years we had the twins. And, you know, every time kids come along, that’s a lot,” she said of the breakdown of the five-year marriage.
When asked about the divorce, she said it was messy but didn’t provide details.
Shanna Gardner-Fernandez, seen here, pleaded not guilty to multiple charges related to the murder of her ex-husband Jared Bridegan
Suspected shooter Henry Tenon, 62, (left) has said he is prepared to testify that Mario Fernandez-Saldana, 35, and his wife hired him to kill Jared
“We had a really complicated relationship,” Shanna said. “Out of respect for Jared and his family, there is no point in airing dirty laundry. It doesn’t help anyone.’
Kristen said that Shanna cut off all contact with the twins after Jared’s murder.
In an emotional interview, 36-year-old Kirsten told of her “satisfaction” over Shanna’s arrest.
Shanna’s arrest came 547 days after the father of four was executed just minutes from his ex-wife’s home.
Jared was shot multiple times at close range in what police described as an “ambush” and “targeted” attack. Jacksonville Beach Police Chief Gene Paul Smith said at the time that Jared was “shot in cold blood” as he got out of his car.
Fernandez-Soldana’s presence in his children’s lives also worried Jared, those who know the family say.
The father was described as a “devout” Mormon who worked as a software engineer for Microsoft. His widow, Kristen, has said she would support the death penalty if his ex-wife were convicted.
Henry Tenon has pleaded guilty for his role as a perpetrator in the alleged conspiracy in which the young father of four was lured onto the street and shot at close range while his then two-year-old daughter Bexley had her child strapped into the back of the car.
He admitted that he was lying in wait and was ready to execute Jared when he got out to clear the obstacle from the road.
Shanna’s parents released a statement after her arrest saying, “Words cannot accurately express the depth of our grief.” Family is our number one 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.”
“On their behalf and in the interests of all involved, we caution against further speculation and ask for privacy as the legal process unfolds.”
Gardner faces the death penalty and is charged with first-degree murder, solicitation to commit a capital felony, conspiracy to commit murder and child molestation.