JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Mario Fernandez-Saldana appeared in court on Wednesday morning for a pre-trial hearing. Fernandez-Saldana has pleaded not guilty in the murder of Jared Bridegan. The state announced to the courtroom that they would be seeking the death penalty in the upcoming trial.
Fernandez-Saldana's next trial date will be June 20.
Kristen Bridegan, Jared's widow, released the following statement after the pre-trial.
“The announcement today is another significant step toward justice. The knowledge that the State pursuing the death penalty for Mario Fernandez Saldana is welcome news because it signifies determination and the relentless pursuit of justice for Jared, our family, and the community. We aren’t backing down to those involved in the heinous, cold-blooded murder of my husband in front of our daughter.
I take comfort knowing Abby and Liam are no longer living with Mario and I hope all evil surrounding them and our family will be removed in due time.
Jared is loved and missed more than words can express and we deeply feel his loss. While we know he is gone, we take comfort in knowing the prosecution team and law enforcement remain unrelenting in their efforts and are committed to holding everyone involved in Jared’s murder accountable. They continue to have our support and gratitude.”
In addition to murder charges, he is also facing child abuse charges, because Bridegan was killed in front of his 2-year-old daughter, Bexley.
Fernandez-Saldana is married to Bridegan’s ex-wife, Shanna Gardner-Fernandez. She has not been charged in the case, but both arrest warrants note the couple's "highly acrimonious divorce," something also mentioned by prosecutors when they announced Fernandez Saldana's arrest.
Bridegan's co-defendant, Henry Tenon, 62, confessed to his involvement in the murder in March. He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.
Bridegan's killing was "pre-planned," according to police. The night of his death, he stopped to move a tire out of the road; he was then shot multiple times, at close range. The tire is believed to have been intentionally placed in the road to lure him out of his car.
