Microsoft Manager's Murder-for-Hire Conviction Linked to Bitter Custody Dispute

A man has been convicted of orchestrating the murder-for-hire killing of a Microsoft design manager on a Florida road in 2022. Mario Fernandez Saldana, 38, was found guilty of first-degree murder and solicitation of murder for his role in the death of Jared Bridegan.

The motive behind the crime was reportedly a bitter child custody dispute between Bridegan and his ex-wife, Shanna Gardner, who is married to Fernandez Saldana. Prosecutors believe that Fernandez Saldana hired Henry Tenon to carry out the fatal ambush, with no personal connection to Bridegan but being a former tenant at their rental property.

The prosecution presented evidence of three checks totaling $10,000 written by Fernandez Saldana to Tenon after the homicide, marked as payments for handyman work and a business idea. Tenon's DNA was also identified on the rim of the tire that was intentionally placed in the road.