Florida Governor Signs Extradition Warrant for Ex-Wife in Microsoft Executive Murder Case
In a significant development, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed an extradition warrant for Shanna Gardner-Fernandez, the ex-wife of slain Microsoft executive Jared Bridegan. She stands accused of orchestrating his murder. This news comes after Gardner-Fernandez’s arrest in Washington state on August 16, more than 18 months following Bridegan’s tragic shooting in Jacksonville, Florida, in front of their young daughter.
During her initial court appearance in Washington last month, Gardner-Fernandez vehemently expressed her reluctance to return to Florida without putting up a fight.
Extradition Hearing Looms
Scheduled for an extradition hearing in Benton County Superior Court, it remains uncertain whether Gardner-Fernandez will still appear now that the extradition warrant has been signed. At the time of this report, no comment has been received from Governor DeSantis’ spokesperson.
Serious Charges and Additional Arrests
Gardner-Fernandez faces a grand jury indictment on counts of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and child endangerment. These charges could potentially lead to the death penalty.
The case has also seen the arrests of two other individuals – Gardner-Fernandez’s husband, Mario Fernandez, and the confessed triggerman, Henry Tenon.
The Alleged Plot
The trio is alleged to have conspired to fatally shoot Bridegan, aged 33, on a Jacksonville Beach road on February 16, 2022, immediately after he dropped off his twins, shared with Gardner-Fernandez, at her residence. Bridegan’s daughter, Bexley, was in the car with him during the tragic incident.
Longstanding Legal Battles
Bridegan and his ex-wife divorced in 2015 but continued their legal battles over finances and custody of their 11-year-old twins until his untimely death.
Gardner-Fernandez’s Relocation
Following the murder, Gardner-Fernandez hired a prominent criminal defense attorney and relocated over 2,800 miles to the Pacific Northwest. She also prevented her twins from having contact with their half-sisters, Bexley and London.
Financial Support
Notably, Gardner-Fernandez’s wealthy parents, who own the multimillion-dollar papercraft company Stampin’ Up!, supported her cross-country move and have provided her with a monthly stipend for years.
Cooperation from a Key Figure
Henry Tenon, aged 61 and a former tenant of Fernandez, admitted to fatally shooting Bridegan and is now cooperating with authorities against his alleged co-conspirators as part of a plea agreement.
Dedicated Investigation
Melissa Nelson, the state attorney for Jacksonville’s Fourth Judicial District, has been leading the investigation into the tragic demise of the father of four.
This story continues to unfold, and we will keep you updated as more information becomes available.