A significant legal development unfolds as Henry Tenon, the admitted assassin in the high-profile murder of Jared Bridegan, has submitted a motion to retract his guilty plea, according to court documents. If Judge London Kite grants this request, it could lead to a joint trial involving Tenon, Jared Bridegan’s former spouse, Shanna Gardner, and her subsequent husband, Mario Fernandez.
The case, based in Jacksonville, Florida, revolves around the tragic death of Jared Bridegan, a father of four from St. Augustine. Authorities describe the incident as a “murder-for-hire” scheme, with Gardner and Fernandez allegedly orchestrating the plot. Both Gardner and Fernandez have entered not guilty pleas concerning their accusations.
Tenon, aged 65, had previously confessed to his involvement in the crime. However, the motion filed in Duval County late last week does not clarify the reasons behind his sudden decision to withdraw his plea. This unexpected move could significantly impact the ongoing legal proceedings.
The charges against Tenon are extensive, including second-degree murder with a weapon, conspiracy to commit murder, accessory after the fact, and child abuse. Meanwhile, the fate of Gardner and Fernandez hangs in the balance as they await their day in court, maintaining their innocence against all allegations.
The killing of Bridegan on February 16, 2022, has drawn considerable attention, with many closely watching how this case might evolve if Tenon’s motion to withdraw his plea is approved. The trial could bring to light further details about this tragic event and the alleged roles each accused played in the conspiracy.
Prosecutors charged Tenon with second-degree murder with a weapon, conspiracy to commit murder, accessory after the fact and child abuse in the case.
As part of Tenon’s plea agreement, prosecutors would have dropped all of his charges except second-degree murder in exchange for him “truthfully” testifying against Gardner and Fernandez.
Tenon is set to be back in court Tuesday, Feb. 17. On that date, a later date will be set to hear his motion intending to withdraw his plea.
The trial for Gardner and Fernandez is scheduled to begin on Aug. 10.
