Woman Accused of Murdering Microsoft Executive Ex-Husband to Return to Florida
After more than 18 months on the run, Shanna Gardner-Fernandez, 35, accused of masterminding the murder of her ex-husband, Jared Bridegan, a Microsoft executive, will soon be brought back to Florida, officials have confirmed.
Gardner-Fernandez was apprehended on August 16 in West Richland, Washington, where she had fled with their children following the tragic shooting death of Bridegan, 33, in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. The incident took place in front of their toddler daughter.
In a surprising twist, Gardner-Fernandez decided to contest her extradition during her initial court appearance in Washington, resulting in additional paperwork and a months-long delay.
Extradition Approved by Washington Governor
The Jacksonville State Attorney’s Office recently announced that Washington Governor Jay Islee has approved Gardner-Fernandez’s extradition, following a warrant issued by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis last month.
Criminal defense lawyer David Robbins speculated that Gardner-Fernandez might have resisted extradition to prolong her stay in the Benton County jail in Washington, likely a more comfortable option than the overcrowded and deteriorating Duval County Jail in Jacksonville, where 11 prisoners have died this year.
One possible reason for her reluctance to return to Florida could be her 11-year-old twins still attending school in Washington, with Gardner-Fernandez possibly wanting to remain close to them.
Serious Charges Await Gardner-Fernandez
Gardner-Fernandez faces grave charges, including first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and child endangerment. If convicted, she could potentially face the death penalty.
She is the third individual to be arrested in connection with this case. Her husband, Mario Fernandez, and the confessed shooter, Henry Tenon, 61, were apprehended months earlier. Tenon, a former tenant of Fernandez, is reportedly cooperating with prosecutors.
The Tragic Event
The trio is accused of conspiring to murder Bridegan on February 16, 2022, on a remote road shortly after he had dropped off their shared twins at Gardner-Fernandez’s residence. The couple had been locked in a bitter custody and financial battle since their divorce in 2015.
At the time of the shooting, Bridegan’s daughter, Bexley, from his second marriage with Kirsten Bridegan, was in the car with him. Kirsten was at home with their infant daughter, London.
Please note that this article has been rewritten for clarity and simplicity.