Custody feud underpins Florida murder-for-hire trial in Bridegan case

Jurors in Florida heard the murder-for-hire case against Mario Fernandez Saldana, accused of helping plan and fund the killing of Microsoft executive Jared Bridegan, with Henry Tenon identified as the gunman. The trial centers on a bitter co-parenting dispute involving Bridegan’s ex-wife Shanna Gardner-Fernandez, and Kirsten Bridegan testified about a final, silent phone call after Bridegan dropped off the couple’s children. Prosecutors tie the alleged plot to years of custody battles, while Saldana’s defense argues the state cannot prove solicitation or intent. Separate trials for Gardner-Fernandez and Tenon are expected to follow.