Jared Bridegan’s widow, Kristen, expressed that the family fully supports the recent decision to withdraw from the case.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — In a significant development in Jared Bridegan’s murder-for-hire case, prosecutors have decided not to pursue the death penalty against two suspects involved.
The tragic death of the St. Augustine father of four occurred on February 16, 2022. Authorities have termed it a “murder-for-hire scheme” allegedly masterminded by his ex-wife, Shanna Gardner, and her current spouse, Mario Fernandez. Both Gardner and Fernandez have maintained their innocence regarding the charges related to Bridegan’s killing.
On Friday, legal documents revealed that Florida prosecutors retracted their initial intent to seek the death penalty, which had been filed on November 3, 2023. The official document is accessible below.
Kristen Bridegan, Jared’s widow, conveyed that the family “unanimously supports and stands behind” this decision.
The next pre-trial hearings for both Fernandez and Gardner are slated for Monday, December 8, with their trial scheduled to commence on August 3, 2026.
Both Fernandez and Gardner’s next pre-trial hearings are scheduled for Monday, Dec. 8, while their trial is set to begin on Aug. 3, 2026.
