More than four years after Florida Microsoft executive Jared Bridegan was shot and killed in a Jacksonville Beach neighborhood, the now-estranged husband of Bridegan's ex-wife was found guilty for his role in the murder-for-hire plot.
There are three defendants in the case. Bridegan's ex-wife Shanna Gardner, 39, and her estranged husband, Mario Fernandez Saldana, 38, are accused of conspiring to kill Bridegan and orchestrating the murder with another accomplice, Henry Tenon.
Fernandez Saldana's trial began in Jacksonville on Monday, Aug. 17. Today, Wednesday, Aug. 26, was the eighth day of Fernandez Saldana's trial, and the jury found him guilty. See a video of his verdict being read in court below.
in for Mario Fernandez Saldana in Jared Bridegan murder
Watch: Mario Saldana Fernandez found guilty in the killing of Jared Bridegan
See photos from trial for conspiracy to murder Florida Microsoft exec
What is Mario Fernandez Saldana's sentence?
Fernandez Saldana has yet to receive his sentencing following the Wednesday, Aug. 26, guilty verdict, but the sentence for first-degree murder is a life sentence. Judge London M. Kite set his sentencing date and time for Oct. 5 at 9 a.m. ET.
Who is the next defendant in the Jacksonville murder-for-hire case?
Bridegan's ex-wife and Fernandez Saldana's now-estranged wife, Shanna Gardner, 39, is the next trial in the case of the killing of Jared Bridegan. Her jury selection is set to begin next Monday, Aug. 31. At the time of Bridegan's murder, Fernandez Saldana and Shanna Gardner were living together in Jacksonville Beach.
Their alleged accomplice, Henry Tenon, 65, will stand trial in 2027.
Lianna Norman is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida's service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: See video: Mario Fernandez Saldana found guilty in murder-for-hire case
