Microsoft Exec Killed in Front of Kids: Trial Begins for Accused Hitman Hired

The trial of Mario Fernandez Saldana, accused of hiring hitman Henry Tenon to kill Microsoft design manager Jared Bridegan in front of his children, began on Monday. Prosecutors described the killing as a 'targeted ambush' that followed years of conflict between Bridegan and his ex-wife Shanna Gardner over their divorce and how to raise their twin children.

Bridegan, 33, was shot and killed on February 16, 2022, in Jacksonville Beach while driving home from dropping off his twins with his then-2-year-old daughter Bexley. Investigators say the killer intentionally placed a tire in the road to force Bridegan to stop, and then fired four 10mm rounds at him.

Prosecutors stated that the murder was 'personal' and targeted specifically at Bridegan. They also outlined the years of tension between Bridegan and Gardner, including disagreements over religion, medical appointments, and school conferences. Bridegan later remarried and had two more children with Kirsten Bridegan.