[Florida Files] Justice for Jared Bridegan: Arrests, a Plea Deal, and the Fight That Isn't Over
A Case That Finally Broke Open
When we first covered the murder of Jared Bridegan in September 2022, the case was unsolved, the blue Ford F-150 had not been found, and Kirsten Bridegan was fighting every single day just to keep her husband's name in the public eye. A lot has changed since then. In this update episode, we are revisiting everything that has happened in the case since our original episode, including a major arrest, a shocking plea deal, and a second arrest that sent shockwaves through the true crime community.
A Quick Recap
On February 16, 2022, Jared Bridegan was ambushed and shot to death on a dark, tree-lined stretch of Sanctuary Boulevard in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, just minutes after dropping his twins off at his ex-wife Shanna Gardner's house. His two-year-old daughter Bexley was strapped in the backseat when it happened. Investigators quickly determined that a tire had been deliberately placed in the road to force Jared to stop, and that he had been targeted by someone who knew his exact route. The only three people believed to know that route were Jared's wife Kirsten, his ex-wife Shanna, and Shanna's husband Mario Fernandez.
The Arrest of Henry Tenon
The break in the case came through the tire itself. Investigators identified the damaged tire used to ambush Jared as belonging to a 2004 Ford F-150 — the exact make, model, and color of the vehicle of interest seen on surveillance footage near the scene. That trail led them to Henry Tenon, a man with an extensive criminal history in Florida including felony convictions, burglary charges, grand theft, and unlawful possession of firearms. Tenon had one significant connection to the case: he had been a tenant in a home owned by Mario Fernandez.
In August 2022, Tenon was arrested on an unrelated felony driving charge. During a custodial interview, he was questioned about the murder. Financial records later revealed three handwritten checks from Mario to Tenon, and cell phone records showed the two men spoke 35 times in February 2022 alone — the same month Jared was killed — and 30 times in March. Investigators concluded there was probable cause to establish that Tenon was a principal in Jared's murder and had conspired with and assisted others involved.
The Plea Deal and Mario's Arrest
On January 24, 2023, authorities announced that an arrest was imminent. It was also revealed at that time that Shanna and the twins had quietly relocated from Florida to West Richland, Washington — and that Mario had not made the move with the family.
On March 16, 2023, Henry Tenon accepted a plea deal. He admitted to being the person who physically shot and killed Jared Bridegan. He pleaded guilty to second degree murder with a weapon and agreed to testify truthfully against those he worked with. He faces a minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison.
At the same moment Tenon was entering his plea, Mario Fernandez was being arrested. A grand jury charged Mario with first degree murder, conspiracy to commit first degree murder, solicitation to commit a capital felony, and child abuse — the last charge stemming from the fact that two-year-old Bexley was in the car when her father was shot. Mario pleaded not guilty and was denied bond. Prosecutors later announced they would be seeking the death penalty.
Kirsten's Response
Following Mario's arrest, Kirsten released a statement that said in part: "We have great relief knowing that two of the people behind my husband's murder are now behind bars and are no longer a threat to our family. We have fought hard for the truth and the world now knows what we have known all along — that Jared truly was an innocent victim since day one. Justice for Jared will not be stopped and we will not be silenced."
Bexley's Boxes
In the midst of everything, Kirsten also launched the Bexley Box nonprofit — a program that provides comfort items and basic necessities for children brought to police stations during traumatic events. Inspired by the night two-year-old Bexley sat alone in a police station after witnessing her father's murder, the boxes are completely free and refillable at no cost to the receiving station. Kirsten's goal is to place a Bexley Box in every police station in the country. We are honored to serve on the board of directors for the Bridegan Foundation alongside Kirsten, and we have personally delivered Bexley Boxes to our local police department.
Where Things Stand
The investigation remains active. Prosecutors have made clear that more arrests may still be coming, stating they are committed to seeking "the entire truth and holding accountable every individual involved in the murder of Jared Bridegan." If you have any information, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS (8477). Tips may remain anonymous.
Follow Justice for Jared B on Instagram for ongoing updates, and support Bexley Boxes!
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