Mario Fernandez Saldana Trial: Jared Bridegan Murder-Live Updates
Jared Bridegan
Live Trial Status
A jury has been selected in the trial of Mario Fernandez Saldana. Opening statements begin Monday, August 17, 2026. Mario has pleaded not guilty and is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Daily Trial Updates
August 17, 2026: Opening Statements
Court coverage will be added after proceedings conclude.
Jared Bridegan Case at a Glance
Jared Bridegan was shot and killed on February 16, 2022, in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, while his two year old daughter sat in the back seat of his vehicle. Prosecutors allege that Shanna Gardner arranged a murder for hire plot, that Mario Fernandez Saldana helped carry it out, and that Henry Tenon shot Jared. All three defendants face separate criminal cases connected to Jared’s killing. Mario has pleaded not guilty, and his trial is the first of the three scheduled proceedings.
What We’re Watching in Mario’s Trial
This page is not meant to be a minute by minute court recap. We will use it to share the parts of the trial that stand out to us, the testimony that adds important context, and the questions we are thinking about as the case moves forward. We will be clear about what is testimony, what is an attorney’s argument, and what has been established in court.
About This Coverage
Through the podcast, we have gotten to know and become friends with Jared’s widow, Kirsten Bridegan. We also serve on the board of the Bridegan Foundation. We want to be transparent about that connection as we cover the upcoming trials. Our reporting will be based on public court proceedings, court records, and named news sources. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
