About Me

Jared Bridegan Timeline

Timeline: Jared Bridegan

2009, Marriage

• Shanna Gardner and Jared Bridegan marry and begin their family life.
• Over time, disagreements begin forming around finances, parenting, and expectations.

2010 to 2015, Family Life

• Shanna and Jared grow their family and move through several relocations.
• Stressors in the marriage increase.
• Gardner begins expressing dissatisfaction with Jared’s parenting style and control dynamics.

2015, Separation and Divorce Filing

• Gardner and Bridegan separate.
• Divorce proceedings begin, marking the start of what becomes a multi year custody conflict.
• Litigation grows contentious, involving attorneys, mediators, and repeated court interventions.

2015 to 2021, High Conflict Divorce and Custody Battles

• Gardner and Bridegan engage in extensive court battles over custody, expenses, parenting time, and decision making authority.
• Gardner frequently portrays Bridegan to friends as controlling and difficult.
• Bridegan expresses concern about Gardner’s behavior and decision making.
• Over this period, tension escalates and communication becomes strained.

2017 to 2018, Gardner Meets Mario Fernandez

• Gardner enters a new relationship with Mario Fernandez.
• Fernandez becomes increasingly involved in family matters.
• Bridegan objects to some of Fernandez’s behavior around the children.
• Gardner and Fernandez’s relationship continues to deepen.

2019, Marriage of Gardner and Fernandez

• Gardner marries Fernandez.
• Financial and parenting tensions with Bridegan escalate further.
• Fernandez complains to friends about Bridegan’s involvement and litigation.
• The trust fund arrangement places Fernandez in a position of financial control as Trustee.

2020 to 2021, Trust Structure Becomes Significant

• Gardner relies heavily on her irrevocable trust for income.
• The trust contains a clause that she may become Trustee only when she has no remaining legal entanglements with her ex husband.
• This clause later becomes a major investigative motive factor.
• Fernandez manages trust funds, giving him financial incentive aligned with eliminating Bridegan.

2021, Instability in Gardner and Fernandez’s Marriage

• Gardner expresses dissatisfaction and discusses divorce.
• Fernandez tells associates that he and Gardner are divorcing.
• They privately separate while publicly claiming they remain together.
• Gardner begins establishing residency in Washington State.
• Fernandez relocates primarily to Orlando.
• Despite separation, both still appear united in issues involving Bridegan.

Late 2021, Formation of Murder for Hire Scheme

• Communication between Fernandez and Tenon increases.
• Tenon becomes financially dependent on Fernandez through rental housing at 5239 Potomac Avenue.
• Gardner’s expressed frustration with ongoing court battles intensifies.
• Investigators later identify this period as the inception of planning.

January 5, 2022, First Practice Run, Tenon

• Location data shows Tenon driving a route that later matches the ambush path.
• Investigators classify this as a reconnaissance run.

January 29, 2022, Second Practice Run

• Tenon repeats a nearly identical route.
• Supports theory of premeditation and staged planning.

Early February 2022, Divorce Planning and Custody Stress

• Gardner and Fernandez inform the twins’ school they are planning a divorce.
• Gardner moves to Washington State.
• Fernandez lives in Orlando.
• Bridegan continues battling Gardner in court hearings.
• Fernandez discusses ongoing legal conflict and expresses hostility toward Bridegan.

February 16, 2022, Day of the Murder

• Afternoon: Bridegan completes the regular Wednesday parenting schedule with the twins and drops them at Gardner’s Jacksonville Beach home.
• This routine had been stable for eight months, giving Fernandez and Tenon predictable timing.
• Before 6:00 p.m.: Both of Tenon’s phones go dark. Fernandez reduces communication during the pre murder window.
• 6:57 p.m.: A tire is placed in the roadway. Bridegan stops his vehicle. Tenon shoots and kills Bridegan. Bridegan’s two year old daughter remains inside the vehicle and survives.
• Post murder: Approximately forty minutes later, one of Tenon’s phones reconnects near Beaches Baptist Hospital. Investigators conclude Tenon was on foot with one phone while the other remained in or near the truck.

February to April 2022, Aftermath and Payment

• Fernandez resumes communication with Tenon.
• Gardner tells friends the death may have been road rage.
• Tenon deposits three checks from First Choice Home Rentals LLC: March 28, two thousand dollars. March 29, three thousand dollars. April 4, five thousand dollars.
• Payments flow from Gardner’s trust to Fernandez’s LLC to Tenon.
• Recording on Tenon’s phone shows him discussing waiting for five thousand dollars to clear.

June 28, 2022, Gardner’s Friend Statement

• Friend reports Gardner said Fernandez could get four men to take care of Bridegan.
• Friend reports Fernandez claimed he had killed people before.
• Gardner allegedly admitted marrying Fernandez for financial and custody advantages.

July 18, 2022, Tire Discovery at Tenon’s Rental

• Spare tire recovered from 5239 Potomac Avenue.
• Forensics confirm it matches the tire used in the ambush.
• Tenon arrives during collection of the tire.
• Renter provides key details linking Tenon’s truck to the crime.

August 2022, Device and Google Data

• Fernandez drives to Tenon’s residence, leaves his phone, and travels with Tenon along the murder path.
• Fernandez returns to retrieve his phone after Tenon’s reconnects.
• Investigators identify this as clear coordination.

October 6, 2022, Search Warrant Execution

• ATF and JBPD search the Potomac Avenue home.
• Recover Tenon’s phone, boots, clothing, and cash.
• Digital extraction includes audio discussing the five thousand dollar payment.
• Controlled call to Fernandez reveals nervous reaction.

January 2023, Arrest of Henry Tenon

• Tenon is charged in connection with the murder.
• Begins cooperating shortly afterward.

Early 2023, Tenon Cooperation

• Tenon implicates Fernandez as the organizer and the source of payment.
• Confirms money transfers and planning.
• Details the murder process and involvement.

2023 to 2024, Evidence Consolidates

• Prosecutors build a framework linking Gardner’s financial motive, Fernandez’s coordination and payment, and Tenon’s role as the shooter.
• Witness statements reinforce the motive and prior statements expressing a desire to see Bridegan gone.
• Trust documents establish a significant financial incentive.

2025, Prosecution Structure Finalized

• Tenon was identified as the shooter.
• Fernandez identified as a planner and financier.
• Gardner identified the motive source as tied to financial and custody outcomes.
• Combined evidence results in a full murder for hire narrative used in court proceedings.

May 2025 to March 2026

• According to Duval County Jail inmate Emmanuel Alexander, he and Mario Fernandez engaged in numerous conversations about the Jared Bridegan murder case while incarcerated together in the Duval County Jail. Alexander later reported the conversations to prosecutors.  
• Alexander said Fernandez appeared increasingly stressed about his criminal case and told him his hair was falling out under the pressure.  
• According to Alexander, Fernandez referred to Jared Bridegan’s widow as an “evil bitch” and claimed she was raising money to secure his release from jail. Alexander said Fernandez approached him with a plan to help “frame the widow” after Alexander’s anticipated release.  
• Alexander alleged that Fernandez wanted him to contact Fernandez’s brother and attorney after his release so that letters could be sent to media organizations and law enforcement agencies. According to Alexander, the purpose of the letters was to portray Henry Tenon as dishonest and to suggest that Jared Bridegan’s widow was responsible for the murder. Alexander said Fernandez wanted false information included in the letters, including claims that Jared Bridegan was secretly going to gyms to look at men.  
• Alexander stated that Fernandez provided him with cases involving alleged prosecutorial misconduct and wanted him to use those materials to attack Henry Tenon and shift attention away from Fernandez.  
• According to Alexander, Fernandez stated that Shanna Gardner was the “MM,” meaning mastermind, behind the murder plot and that Fernandez was supposed to be the “executioner.” Alexander reported that Fernandez made a nonverbal acknowledgment, indicating the statement was true.  
• Alexander alleged that Fernandez claimed Henry Tenon had been “drugged out,” “drunk,” or both at the time of the murder and repeatedly discussed ways to undermine Tenon’s credibility.  
• Alexander further alleged that Fernandez asked for assistance in “setting Judge Kite up” because Alexander was a Freemason. The filing does not provide additional details regarding the alleged plan.  
• According to Alexander, Fernandez also discussed a sealed case involving a twelve-year-old girl in the Carolinas and claimed that Judge London Kite had concealed information proving he had been set up by the widow.  
• Alexander said Fernandez frequently reviewed his discovery materials and insisted prosecutors had no evidence against him. Fernandez allegedly claimed there were problems with the State’s timeline and maintained that someone associated with the prosecution had secretly switched sides and was assisting the defense.  
• Alexander reported that Fernandez discussed Henry Tenon’s incarceration in Nassau County and later told him he was attempting to persuade Tenon to recant previous statements after Tenon was transferred back to the Duval County Jail.  

February 4, 2026

• Emmanuel Alexander provided information to prosecutors regarding the alleged statements Mario Fernandez made during their shared incarceration at the Duval County Jail. Alexander gave a sworn statement to investigators; however, according to the State, the audio recording was later lost due to technical issues with the court reporting service’s electronic recording system.  

April 1, 2026

• Prosecutors conducted a second recorded, sworn statement with Emmanuel Alexander after the earlier recording was lost. During the interview, Alexander reiterated allegations that Fernandez had attempted to recruit him into a scheme to frame Jared Bridegan’s widow and discredit Henry Tenon.  
• Alexander stated that Fernandez told him Henry Tenon and Jared Bridegan’s widow had passed each other on the night of the murder and that Fernandez wanted to use that fact to cast suspicion on her and have her treated as a defendant in the case.  
• Alexander again alleged that Fernandez described Shanna Gardner as the “MM” or mastermind behind the murder and himself as the individual who was supposed to be the “executioner.” Alexander reported that Fernandez indicated through a nonverbal response that the characterization was accurate and that he had carried out the plan.  

April 15, 2026

• During a meeting with prosecutors, Maria Biggerstaff reported that John Biggerstaff told her his son had “come over today and was wearing a wire.” Maria Biggerstaff was unable to recall the exact date of the alleged conversation. The information was disclosed by the State as Giglio material.  

April 24, 2026

• Serena Dent was charged by Information with Battery in a Detention Facility, a third-degree felony, in Duval County Case No. 162026CF002377. The State disclosed the charge as Giglio material.  

May 28, 2026

• The State of Florida filed its Sixteenth Supplemental Discovery Exhibit in the cases against Shanna Gardner, Mario Fernandez-Saldana, and Henry Tenon. The filing formally disclosed Emmanuel Alexander as an informant witness and provided notice of the allegations he reported to prosecutors.  
• The State also disclosed the existence of a packet of letters and a book provided by Alexander, a recorded sworn statement, a latent print report, and an FDLE firearms report that would be provided upon receipt. Prosecutors further disclosed that Alexander had pending charges for attempted second-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and witness tampering, along with two prior felony convictions. The State represented that Alexander had never cooperated in any other criminal case and had not been promised any benefit in exchange for his cooperation.  

Jared Bridegan Case File

Investigation into a Murder: Jared Bridegan

Timeline

February 16, 2022

• 7:59 p.m.: Jacksonville Beach Police Department received calls reporting multiple gunshots in the Sanctuary Boulevard residential area. One caller reported a vehicle blocking the road in the 4000 block of Sanctuary Boulevard, a white male lying next to the vehicle, and a toddler crying in a car seat in the back, rear passenger side of the vehicle. Witnesses removed the child.
• 8:03 p.m.: Officers arrived and found Bridegan lying in the road with multiple apparent gunshot wounds. His vehicle was in park, running, with hazard lights flashing. First responders attempted life-saving measures, but Bridegan was pronounced dead at the scene.
• A damaged tire was in front of Bridegan’s car, lying in the road and blocking his path of travel. The rim was later identified as belonging to a 2004 Ford F-150 Lariat.

Crime Scene, Body

• The body was near the curb on the east side of the roadway.
• A large pool of blood was observed near the decedent’s head.
• Blood was visible soaking through the sheet. The left hand and wrist were visible near the curb.
• The decedent’s left ring finger had what appeared to be a silver and diamond wedding band. A black Apple Watch was also visible.
• The decedent’s feet were facing south and his head north. One brown flip flop or sandal was worn, and the other was nearby in the street.

Tire

• A large tire was observed in the street approximately ten to fifteen feet in front of the vehicle.
• BF Goodrich Advantage TIA Sport LT, size 265/60R18.
• DOT number AP80 2T11.
• Rim size 18X7.5JX44. Other markings included C#0618043, 80471, and X5X3.

Casings and Projectiles

• Four bullet casings were found around the victim, including Underwood brand 10mm casings and PPU brand 10mm casings.
• Three projectiles were recovered, including one on the passenger side front floor, one in the passenger side front door, and one under the body.
• When the body was moved by the Medical Examiner, a silver colored projectile was located under the body.

Vehicle

• Blood spots were observed on the left side of the driver’s seat and the interior frame of the driver’s side door.
• A small hole was observed in the center dash, with an entry point below and to the right of the steering wheel.
• The front passenger side window was shattered but still intact.
• A small hole was observed where the frame and glass meet.

Jared Bridegan Murder Case Files

Kirsten Bridegan Interview

Interviews

7:39 p.m.: Kirsten stated that her brother called her at 19:39 hours. While they were talking, Jared called, and she merged him into the conversation. They all spoke for a few minutes before her brother hung up, leaving her and Jared to continue their conversation. Jared mentioned that he had just dropped off Abigail and Liam and was on his way home. Bexley told Kirsten she was eating ice cream, and Jared clarified it was a Frosty from Wendy’s. 8:51 p.m.: Kirsten said she became worried because Jared had not yet made it home, and she began repeatedly calling his phone. Kirsten mentioned that the relationship between Jared’s ex-wife, Shanna, and her new husband, Mario Fernandez, was not good. She stated that Shanna was constantly filing legal actions regarding the children and often lied about Jared, portraying him as a bad father. She described Mario as very controlling. Jared with Kids at Bearded Pig

• At 18:47 hours, Jared arrived at the parking lot of Bearded Pig Restaurant.
• At 18:48 hours, Jared and the children entered the restaurant.
• At 19:22 hours, they were in the parking lot.
• At 19:24 hours, they left the parking lot and headed south on 3rd Street.

Jared Bridegan Case File

Witness Interview

Interview with Currie

Interview with Currie Date: Saturday, February 19, 2022 Time: 10:31 hours Source: Law enforcement interview summary Overview This interview documents what Currie reported seeing on the night of the shooting, as well as her personal knowledge of the victim, his ex-wife, and related church interactions. Interview Summary

Currie stated that she left her home in the Marshside area at 19:50 hours to pick up her daughter near the St. Johns Town Center. As she turned left onto the southbound lane of Sanctuary, she saw two to four vehicles ahead of her. She noticed the lead vehicle, a black SUV, with emergency flashers on. She also observed another vehicle described as a whitish, grayish, silver SUV.

Currie reported that a slender white male wearing khaki shorts got out of the second SUV. She said he walked to the driver’s side of the victim’s vehicle, paused, and looked inside. He then moved to the passenger side, paused again, and appeared to look inside there as well. Currie described his behavior as strange and unsettling.

She added that the man was wearing a baseball cap. Currie also recalled a white four-door vehicle directly in front of her. A white female exited the passenger side of that car and seemed confused by what was happening. Currie reversed her vehicle and left the area by turning toward South Beach Parkway.

Personal Knowledge of the Parties

Currie said she knew of the victim and was friends with his ex-wife, Shanna Gardner. She said she had heard negative stories about the victim from Gardner. She further stated that her husband, a Bishop at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Neptune Beach, had previously been involved in an altercation with the victim.

Characterizations and Opinions

Currie said Gardner had described the victim as controlling and impatient. She believed the divorce and custody issues between Bridegan and Gardner were contentious and speculated the shooting might have been related to road rage.

Surveillance Video

Surveillance Video

Murder of Jared Bridegan

Surveillance of Sanctuary Boulevard shows that vehicles freely passed through Sanctuary Boulevard before the murder, suggesting the tire in the roadway was a ruse to get Bridegan to stop.

A Ford F-150 pickup truck was spotted by three security cameras on Shetter Avenue. The tire found on the road belonged to a 2004 Ford F-150 Lariat. The truck had running boards, brown trim, and a silver toolbox. The truck was seen driving on Shetter Avenue, passing the police department near Shanna and Mario’s house.

The Evidence: Truck

Key Evidence and Surveillance Findings

Murder of Jared Bridegan: The Night of The Murder

Tire Ruse

• Vehicles were seen freely passing through Sanctuary Boulevard before the murder.
• The tire in the road appears to have been deliberately placed to make Bridegan stop.
• The tire was from a 2004 Ford F-150 Lariat, matching Tenon’s blue 2004 Ford F-150 Lariat.
• Tenon’s DNA was identified on the recovered tire.
• When shown a photo of the tire, Tenon admitted owning it.

Truck Surveillance and Identification

• Surveillance captured a blue Ford F-150 pickup truck near the crime scene.
• Tenon confirmed it was his truck.
• One surveillance still showed a spare tire in the bed of his truck. Tenon admitted it was his.
• Video showed the truck making trial runs about an hour before the murder, consistent with route practice.
• Minutes before the murder, the truck was seen trying to create distance between Bridegan’s vehicle and other traffic, likely to time the tire drop.

Timeline of Surveillance, Day of Murder

• 6:25:33 p.m., 1712 Beach Boulevard: Suspect truck traveled eastbound, close to where Bridegan had just dropped off his children.
• 6:42:01 p.m., 3521 America Avenue: Truck traveled southbound, 0.19 miles from the crime scene.
• 6:43:06 p.m., 4067 America Avenue / Sanctuary Parkway: Truck slowed near the future murder location, continued southbound, made a U-turn, and slowed again.
• 6:44:59 p.m., 3940 Grande Boulevard: Truck turned northbound toward Shetter Avenue.
• 6:52:48 p.m., 101 Penman Road South, JBPD: Truck parked in a cul-de-sac on Shetter Avenue for about 19 minutes, roughly 0.20 miles from Gardner and Fernandez Saldana’s residence.
• 7:50 p.m., 2705 America Avenue: Truck was directly in front of Bridegan’s vehicle and appeared to be tailgating a white truck, creating space between itself and Bridegan.
• 7:52:52 p.m., 4067 America Avenue: Bridegan’s car stopped with hazards on, gunshots were fired, and a person was seen walking then running immediately after.
• 7:53:40 p.m., 3940 Grande Boulevard: One minute later, the truck was seen eastbound on Jacksonville Drive.
• 7:56:41 p.m., 3940 Grande Boulevard: A man in tan shirt, dark pants, boots, and light hat was seen walking away, believed to be Tenon.
• 8:00:09 p.m. actual / 8:17:09 p.m., 1600 Shetter Avenue: Suspect truck reappeared, looped into a cul-de-sac, turned around, and left, suggesting the truck was driven by someone other than Tenon after the shooting.
• 8:13:33 p.m., South Beach Parkway and Rip Tide Boulevard: A male believed to be Tenon was seen walking northbound, on foot, about 0.46 miles from where the truck had been seen.

Investigative Conclusion

• Evidence shows the tire was intentionally placed to stop Bridegan.
• The spare tire was traced to Tenon’s truck, with his DNA confirmed.
• Surveillance demonstrated pre-murder route practice, timed execution, and post-murder separation of Tenon on foot and the suspect truck driven away by someone else.
• This supports the investigators’ finding that Tenon was not acting alone.

Records

Jared Bridegan Case Records

Jared Bridegan

Jared Bridegan Murder

Cell Phone Records

Intercepted Communications

Law Enforcement Tactics Controlled Contact

• Investigators planned to contact a close friend of Gardner who had communicated with her immediately after the homicide.
• The friend previously told JBPD she disliked Bridegan and considered herself to be for Shanna.
• Investigators expected the friend to alert Gardner, which would likely prompt Gardner to contact Fernandez Saldana.

Media Leak Strategy

• Investigators planned a controlled leak to media personnel framed as coming from a law enforcement source.
• The leak would suggest a major break in the case and was intended to trigger communication among Gardner, Fernandez Saldana, and Tenon.
• JBPD planned to follow the leak with a press conference announcing Tenon’s arrest.

Patterns of Contact

• Toll records showed spikes in calls among the conspirators before and after the homicide.
• For six weeks prior, communication was only sporadic.
• In the days leading up to the murder, Fernandez Saldana repeatedly contacted Tenon.
• During the murder timeframe, all phones went silent.

Tenon’s Two Phones

• Tenon used two devices, 904 801 7612 and 904 442 0513.
• Both phones went dark before 6:00 p.m. on the night of the murder.
• About forty minutes after the homicide, one device reconnected near Beaches Baptist Hospital.
• The two phones attempted to contact each other while separated, which investigators interpreted as Tenon carrying one phone on foot while the other remained in or near his truck.

Earlier Trips Matching the Murder Route

• Location data from January 5 and January 29, 2022, showed Tenon driving a route almost identical to the ambush route.
• Investigators believed these were practice runs.

Google Location Data

• Google confirmed both of Tenon’s devices were in Jacksonville Beach on the night of the homicide.
• Data showed that Fernandez Saldana traveled to 5239 Potomac Avenue, left his phone there, and then drove with Tenon toward the locations associated with Bridegan.
• They returned to Potomac Avenue after the murder. Fernandez Saldana left shortly after Tenon’s phone reconnected.

Investigative Conclusion

• Evidence showed coordinated action by Gardner, Fernandez Saldana, and Tenon.
• Cell phone records documented deliberate silence during the homicide.
• Google data tracked movements to and from the crime scene.
• Surveillance placed Tenon and his truck at the ambush site with the planted tire.

Jared Bridegan Murder

Friend Interview

Murder of Jared Bridegan Investigation

Interview with a Friend Date: June 28, 2022 Source: Law enforcement interview summary

• This witness was a friend of both Gardner and Fernandez.
• She told investigators Gardner once said Mario had offered to get four men to break into Bridegan’s home to take care of him and that nobody would ever know.
• She reported that Fernandez once told her, “You know I have killed people before,” which she perceived as a threat.
• She said Gardner admitted she married Fernandez only to improve her child custody position in court and to secure additional financial support from her parents.

College Friend and Former Girlfriend of Fernandez Date: June 28, 2022

• She reported that Fernandez called her the night after the homicide.
• He told her he knew who did it and described the killing as a hit-and-run.
• She stated Fernandez had never previously made direct threats toward Bridegan.

July 18, 2022, Potomac Avenue Investigation

• Rental property on Potomac Avenue in Jacksonville owned by Fernandez was examined.
• A spare tire was found leaning against the exterior of the house. The renter said he had picked it up from the curb and told police they could take it.
• While a detective was loading the tire into his vehicle, Tenon arrived at the house.
• The recovered tire was later matched to the tire intentionally placed in the roadway at the murder scene.
• The renter said that after Tenon’s father died, Tenon traveled to Georgia to retrieve his father’s blue Ford pickup truck.
• After the tire match, investigators concentrated on Tenon as a primary suspect.

Jared Bridegan Murder

Search Warrants

Murder of Jared Bridegan Investigation

October 6, 2022, Search Warrant at 5239 Potomac Avenue

• The property was a rental home owned by Mario Fernandez Saldana and rented by Henry Tenon.
• Occupants present during execution were Norma Davila, Devin Hightower, and Dane Hade.

Evidence Collected

• Tenon’s phone listed as TENON 2 was recovered.
• Clothing was collected, including work boots matching those worn by an unknown male in surveillance footage.
• A forensic download of TENON 2 revealed an audio recording of Tenon discussing money with another person.
• Tenon said he was waiting for five thousand dollars to clear from the bank so he could pay.
• This recording occurred two days after Tenon deposited the final five-thousand-dollar check from Fernandez Saldana.

Controlled Call with Fernandez Saldana

• At 3:52 p.m., investigators initiated a controlled call to Fernandez Saldana, informing him that ATF had executed a search warrant at 5239 Potomac Avenue.
• He immediately wanted to know what had been taken.
• He said the search did not make sense and apologized for the situation.
• The call ended at 3:58 p.m.

Financial Records and Transactions

• About forty-five days after the murder, Tenon deposited three checks from Fernandez Saldana: March 28, two thousand dollars. March 29, three thousand dollars. April 4, five thousand dollars.
• Tenon’s account usually held less than $400 and was often overdrawn, making the deposits unusual.
• The checks came from an account belonging to First Choice Home Rentals LLC, owned by Gardner and Fernandez Saldana.

Source of Funds and Motive

• First Choice Home Rentals LLC was funded through transfers from Gardner’s irrevocable trust, which was funded by her parents.
• During the search of Potomac Avenue, investigators found a safe containing $2,000 in cash.
• Gardner’s primary income came through an irrevocable trust. Fernandez Saldana served as Trustee.
• The trust included a clause stating Gardner could serve as Trustee when she had no further legal entanglements with her ex-husband, Jared G. Bridegan.
• This provided a financial incentive to eliminate Bridegan.

Bridegan’s Custody Routine

• Every other Wednesday night, Bridegan had dinner with the twins from his marriage to Gardner and brought his two-year-old daughter so the siblings could spend time together.
• On the night of the murder, he dropped the twins at Gardner’s Jacksonville Beach home and then drove toward his home in Nocatee.
• Gardner and Fernandez Saldana knew this routine and route well, as it had been consistent for eight months.

Investigative Conclusion

• The search warrant tied Tenon’s property and phone to incriminating items, including boots and recorded conversations about money.
• The financial trail connected Gardner’s trust to First Choice Home Rentals LLC to Fernandez Saldana to Tenon, consistent with a murder for hire arrangement.
• The trust language created a financial motive to eliminate Bridegan.

Jared Bridegan Case File

Interview with John Biggerstaff, Target #5

Mario’s Friend Interview

Interview with John Biggerstaff August 22, 2022, Interview with John Biggerstaff, Target Number 5 Gun Ownership and Relevance to Murder

• Biggerstaff admitted he owned a 10mm caliber handgun but said he no longer knew where it was.
• Bridegan was killed with a 10mm firearm.
• Investigators noted the possible connection between the missing gun and the murder weapon.

Background

• Biggerstaff served twenty-two years in the Navy.
• He had known Mario Fernandez Saldana for many years.
• Fernandez Saldana dated Biggerstaff’s daughter in high school.
• Later, they became workout partners until Fernandez Saldana joined the Army.
• They reconnected when Fernandez Saldana returned to Jacksonville Beach.

Connection to Tenon

• Biggerstaff ran a handyman business and had done work at the Potomac Avenue rental where Tenon lived.
• He said he had not seen Tenon in a year or two and did not really know him.

Device IDs Linked to Biggerstaff

• Google Account ID: 291875041229, name: Osiris Verge, phone number: 904 945 0945.
• Google Account ID 93549354480, name Zoraida Verge, phone number 904 600 2995.
• Google Account ID 564385545556, name Donald G. Crews, phone number 904 614 9511.

January 26, 2022, Firearm Searches

• At 1:15 a.m., Biggerstaff searched online for a 10mm Glock pistol and a 9mm S and W pistol.
• He visited guns dot com and viewed information on a Glock 20 Gen4, a 10mm pistol.

February 17, 2022, Naval Station Mayport Visit

• At 1:52 p.m., Biggerstaff drove to Naval Station Mayport.
• He visited Outdoor Adventures and rented 40 chairs, 5 tables, 1 canopy, 4 canopy sides, and 1 cooler.

Statements About Gardner and Fernandez

• Fernandez Saldana told Biggerstaff he was getting a divorce from Gardner.
• He described her as an ex-Mormon.
• He talked about ongoing court issues with Bridegan.
• Biggerstaff said he did not realize Fernandez Saldana and Gardner had already been married for a year.

Investigative Significance

• The missing 10mm gun Biggerstaff once owned matched the caliber used in the murder.
• He had long-term personal ties to Fernandez Saldana and work-related contact with Tenon.
• His digital search history showed interest in 10mm pistols weeks before the murder.
• His statements gave investigators additional insight into the dynamics between Gardner, Fernandez Saldana, and Bridegan.

Murder of Jared Bridegan

Arrest of Henry Arthur Tenon

Arrests

January 25, 2023, Arrest of Henry Arthur Tenon

• Announcement: Jacksonville Beach Police Chief Gene Paul Smith and State Attorney Melissa Nelson held a press conference.
• Arrested: Henry Arthur Tenon, 61.
• Charges: Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Second-Degree Murder with a Weapon, Accessory After the Fact to a Capital Felony, and Child Abuse.
• Tenon was arrested for his role in the February 16, 2022, ambush and execution of Jared Bridegan.

February 1, 2023, Charging Document Filed

• State Attorney Melissa Nelson stated, “We know that Tenon did not act alone.”
• A charging document alleged that between January 4, 2022, and February 16, 2022, Tenon agreed, conspired, combined or confederated with others to effect the death of Jared Bridegan.
• Tenon had been renting 5239 Potomac Avenue from Mario Fernandez Saldana.
• Detectives uncovered three handwritten checks from Fernandez Saldana to Tenon.
• Phone records showed 35 calls between Tenon and Fernandez Saldana in February 2022, 30 calls in March, and 5 to 9 calls per month in May and June.

March 16, 2023, Tenon’s Guilty Plea

• Tenon pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.
• He admitted his role and agreed to testify truthfully against co-conspirators, including Fernandez Saldana.
• In exchange, Tenon would receive a prison sentence of 15 years to life.
• His guilty plea and cooperation became the foundation for pursuing charges against Fernandez Saldana and Gardner.