Jacksonville, Florida, December 8, 2025
A trial date has been set for Jared Bridegan’s murder case, with his ex-wife Shanna Gardner and her husband Mario Fernandez facing serious charges. Jury selection is scheduled to begin in August 2026. The case has gained significant attention due to the alleged conspiracy behind Bridegan’s death in 2022, and challenges related to evidence processing have complicated preparations for the trial. The community remains keenly focused on the case as it unfolds.
Jacksonville, Florida – Trial Date Set for Summer 2026 in Jared Bridegan Murder Case
Jared Bridegan’s ex-wife, Shanna Gardner, and her estranged husband, Mario Fernandez, are scheduled to stand trial in August 2026 for the alleged murder-for-hire plot that led to Bridegan’s death in 2022.
Trial Details
During a pre-trial hearing on December 8, 2025, Judge London Kite confirmed that jury selection is set to begin on August 10, 2026. Due to the high-profile nature of the case, the court plans to summon 200 potential jurors, with 100 jurors in the morning and 100 in the afternoon sessions.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Both Gardner and Fernandez have been indicted on charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, solicitation to commit a capital felony, and child abuse. They have each pleaded not guilty to these charges. Initially, prosecutors had sought the death penalty; however, in November 2025, they withdrew this motion, a decision supported by Bridegan’s widow, Kirsten, who expressed a desire to avoid prolonged appeals that could affect their children.
Background of the Case
Jared Bridegan, a 33-year-old father of four and senior design manager at Microsoft, was fatally shot on February 16, 2022, in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. After dropping off his twin children at Gardner’s home, Bridegan was ambushed while driving home with his 2-year-old daughter in the car. The assailant, Henry Tenon, placed a tire in the roadway to force Bridegan to stop, then shot him multiple times. Tenon pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and agreed to testify against Gardner and Fernandez. Fernandez was arrested in March 2023, and Gardner was arrested in August 2023. Both are facing the death penalty if convicted.
Evidence and Trial Preparation
The case has been marked by challenges in processing a substantial amount of evidence, including phone records, text messages, bank statements, and data from electronic devices. This backlog has complicated preparations for the upcoming trial. Defense attorneys and prosecutors have expressed concerns over the volume of unprocessed information, which could impact the trial’s progression. Judge Kite has acknowledged these challenges and suggested involving state agencies to assist in reviewing the evidence efficiently.
Impact on the Community
The murder of Jared Bridegan has had a profound effect on the Jacksonville community. His widow, Kirsten, and their children have been central figures in seeking justice. The case has garnered significant public attention, leading to discussions about the legal proceedings and the broader implications of such crimes. The upcoming trial is expected to be closely followed by the community and the media.
Looking Ahead
As the trial date approaches, all parties involved are preparing for a complex legal process. The case continues to unfold, with the community and the nation awaiting the proceedings that will address the charges against Gardner and Fernandez. The trial is anticipated to provide further insights into the circumstances surrounding Jared Bridegan’s tragic death and the alleged conspiracy that led to it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the charges against Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez?
Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez have been indicted on charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, solicitation to commit a capital felony, and child abuse. They have each pleaded not guilty to these charges.
When is the trial scheduled to begin?
The trial is scheduled to begin with jury selection on August 10, 2026. Due to the high-profile nature of the case, the court plans to summon 200 potential jurors, with 100 jurors in the morning and 100 in the afternoon sessions.
What was the initial stance on the death penalty in this case?
Initially, prosecutors sought the death penalty against Gardner and Fernandez. However, in November 2025, they withdrew this motion, a decision supported by Bridegan’s widow, Kirsten, who expressed a desire to avoid prolonged appeals that could affect their children.
What challenges have been faced in preparing for the trial?
The case has been marked by challenges in processing a substantial amount of evidence, including phone records, text messages, bank statements, and data from electronic devices. This backlog has complicated preparations for the upcoming trial. Defense attorneys and prosecutors have expressed concerns over the volume of unprocessed information, which could impact the trial’s progression. Judge Kite has acknowledged these challenges and suggested involving state agencies to assist in reviewing the evidence efficiently.
How has the community been affected by this case?
The murder of Jared Bridegan has had a profound effect on the Jacksonville community. His widow, Kirsten, and their children have been central figures in seeking justice. The case has garnered significant public attention, leading to discussions about the legal proceedings and the broader implications of such crimes. The upcoming trial is expected to be closely followed by the community and the media.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Jared Bridegan, 33-year-old father of four and senior design manager at Microsoft |
| Incident Date | February 16, 2022 |
| Location | Jacksonville Beach, Florida |
| Accused | Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez |
| Charges | First-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, solicitation to commit a capital felony, and child abuse |
| Trial Date | Jury selection begins August 10, 2026 |
| Initial Death Penalty Motion | Withdrawn in November 2025 |
| Evidence Challenges | Substantial backlog of unprocessed evidence, including phone records, text messages, bank statements, and data from electronic devices |
| Community Impact | Significant public attention and discussions about the legal proceedings and broader implications of the case |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
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