JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Mario Fernandez-Saldana has been found guilty of two charges: first-degree murder and solicitation to commit a capital felony. He’s accused of conspiring a plan with his estranged wife, Shanna Gardner, to murder Jared Bridegan and hiring a hit man, Henry Tenon, to carry out the murder.
Following the jury’s guilty verdict Wednesday, Kirsten Bridegan, the widow of Jared Bridegan, spoke to the media in a press conference. She stood alongside additional members of Jared Bridegan’s family and the state attorney’s office.
This came after seven days of testimony, hours of closing arguments, tension between the state and the defense, and evidence spanning from before the murder to every step after.
Kirsten Bridegan’s words were filled with emotion when she recalled the community and support that’s surrounded her. She thanked law enforcement, prosecutors, and the community.
“Never in my life did I think that I’d be in this situation. But I know we wouldn’t have gotten this verdict today had we not had all of these people lined up to help us. To help Jared and to fight for him. When this initially started, I felt like I was alone and I quickly realized that that was not true,” Bridegan said.
State attorney Melissa Nelson and Jared Bridegan’s father also shared words in the press conference.
“I just want to take a moment to thank the community, friends from afar, for all the thoughts and prayers that have been expressed to our family. We deeply appreciate it and are grateful for all of the support that we’ve had during this hard time for our family,” said Gaylord Bridegan.
Kirsten says her remarks were short Wednesday but that she will have much more to say following the trials of Shanna Gardner and Henry Tenon.
As the verdict was read, Fernandez-Saldana did not show a sign of emotion. His attorneys declined to comment but did tell us they plan to file an appeal.
Judge London Kite scheduled Fernandez-Saldana to return to court on October 5 for his sentencing to be set.
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