Microsoft Exec Murder Weapon Was Never Found as Jury Convicts His Alleged Killer

A Florida jury has found Mario Fernandez Saldana guilty of first-degree murder over the 2022 killing of Microsoft executive Jared Bridegan, despite investigators never recovering the firearm used in the shooting.

The 38-year-old was convicted by a Duval County jury in Jacksonville on Wednesday after nearly four hours of deliberation. He was also found guilty of solicitation to commit a capital felony, becoming the first of three people charged over Bridegan's death to stand trial.

Prosecutors argued that Fernandez Saldana arranged the killing through Henry Tenon, a former tenant, after years of conflict between Bridegan and his former wife, Shanna Gardner. Defence lawyers disputed the case, pointing to the missing weapon and the lack of evidence placing Fernandez Saldana at the scene.

Evidence Behind the Conviction

During the seven-day trial, prosecutors said Fernandez Saldana paid Tenon at least $10,000 (£7,600) after the shooting. CBS reported that jurors were shown three cheques totalling that amount, with the payments described as being for handyman work and a business idea.

Prosecutors also linked the alleged killing to the long-running custody dispute between Bridegan and Gardner. The State Attorney's Office said Gardner's family trust formed part of the alleged motive, claiming she could become its trustee if her legal disputes with Bridegan ended.

Assistant State Attorney Christina Stifler described Fernandez Saldana as the 'connecting thread', arguing that the lack of his DNA or fingerprints at the scene was consistent with the prosecution's claim that he arranged for someone else to carry out the shooting.

The murder weapon was never recovered. Prosecutors nevertheless sought to link Fernandez Saldana to a 10mm Glock 40 Gen 4, which they said was the same model used in the killing. A friend connected to the firearm denied giving it to Fernandez Saldana.

Defence lawyer Jesse Dreicer argued there was no evidence his client was at the scene and said he had no motive to kill Bridegan. Fernandez Saldana did not testify.

The 2022 Killing

Bridegan, a 33-year-old senior design manager at Microsoft and father of four, was killed in Jacksonville Beach on 16 February 2022.

He was driving home after dropping his twin children at Gardner's home when he encountered a tyre placed in the road. When he got out of his vehicle to move it, he was shot. His two-year-old daughter, who was in the car, remained unharmed.

The investigation continued for months before detectives identified Tenon, 65, as a suspect. He had previously rented a property from Fernandez Saldana.

Prosecutors said phone records placed the two men in the same area the day before the killing. Tenon's DNA was also found on the tyre recovered from the scene, while matching tyres were discovered at the property where he had lived.

Two Defendants Still Face Trial

Fernandez Saldana is due back in court on 5 October and faces life imprisonment without parole following his first-degree murder conviction.

Tenon initially pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against Fernandez Saldana and Gardner but later withdrew his plea. His trial is expected in 2027 on charges including first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Gardner, 39, has pleaded not guilty to charges including first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, solicitation to commit a capital felony and child abuse. Her trial is scheduled to begin in September, with jury selection due to start on 31 August.

Following the verdict, State Attorney Melissa Nelson said the decision represented 'accountability' for Bridegan's family. His widow, Kirsten Bridegan, thanked investigators and members of the public who provided information as the family prepares for the remaining proceedings.