Defense Seeks to Suppress Statements in Bridegan Case

Defense teams fight to suppress key evidence in Jared Bridegan killing – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Defense attorneys for two people charged in the 2022 killing of Microsoft executive Jared Bridegan returned to court this week to argue that key statements and evidence should be kept from jurors. The hearings mark the latest step in a case that has stretched more than four years and now faces new complications after one defendant withdrew a guilty plea. Prosecutors maintain the evidence is central to proving a murder-for-hire plot.

Background of the Killing

Jared Bridegan, 33, was shot to death on Feb. 16, 2022, after he stopped his car on a Jacksonville-area road. Investigators say a tire had been placed in the roadway to lure him out of the vehicle. Prosecutors allege Henry Tenon, a tenant at a property owned by Bridegan’s ex-wife Shanna Gardner and her husband Mario Fernandez Saldana, carried out the shooting. Gardner, Fernandez Saldana and Tenon each face charges of murder and conspiracy.

Tenon Withdraws Plea and Challenges His Own Words

Tenon first agreed to cooperate with prosecutors and pleaded guilty in March 2023. He later reversed course, withdrawing the plea on Feb. 17, 2026, and stating he would no longer testify against his co-defendants. His new attorney, Julie Schlax, told Judge London Kite that Tenon was never warned his sworn statements could later be used against him. Under Florida law, statements made during plea negotiations are generally inadmissible. Schlax argued the March 2023 interview occurred before any plea was formally accepted by a judge, so the protections should still apply. Kite said she would review the transcript and rule at Tenon’s next hearing on May 26.

Gardner’s Attorneys Target Wiretap and Warrant Evidence

Later the same day, the judge heard arguments from Gardner’s team seeking to suppress evidence obtained through wiretaps and search warrants. Attorney Patrick Korody said the affidavits supporting those warrants focused mainly on Tenon and Fernandez Saldana, with only motive allegations against Gardner. Prosecutors countered that Gardner’s own statements, including text messages expressing a desire to “take him out” or “hire a hitman,” provided direct evidence of intent. Assistant State Attorney Christina Stifler noted those messages were already detailed in the affidavits. Kite will issue a ruling on Gardner’s motion at her next court date on June 1.

Next Steps in the Proceedings

The hearings underscore the high stakes as the case moves closer to trial. With Tenon no longer cooperating, prosecutors must rely more heavily on other evidence to connect Gardner and Fernandez Saldana to the plot. The judge’s upcoming decisions will clarify what information can be presented, setting the stage for the next phase of pretrial litigation.