Slain Microsoft exec’s family faces his ex, suspected of orchestrating his murder, for first time in court

Slain Microsoft executive Jared Bridegan’s family faced his accused killer, ex-wife Shanna Gardner-Fernandez, on Friday in court for the first time since her arrest.

Gardner-Fernandez, 36, wore an orange jumpsuit and shackles in a Jacksonville, Florida, courtroom as she stood beside her new attorney, Jose Baez, who rose to fame after winning an acquittal for Casey Anthony in 2011.

“We would enter a plea of not guilty,” Baez said on behalf of his client to Judge London Kite, as Bridegan’s widow Kirsten, his siblings and his father looked on from the front row of the gallery.

Gardner-Fernandez was arrested in Washington state in August and was extradited to Florida last month on charges of first-degree murder, solicitation to commit first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and child abuse.

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“The state of Florida intends to seek the death penalty for the first-degree murder charged in the indictment,” prosecutor Christina Stifler said in court.

Gardner-Fernandez and her new husband, Mario Fernandez, are accused of orchestrating the killing of 33-year-old Bridegan on Feb. 16, 2022, in front of his toddler daughter.

A third co-defendant, Henry Tenon, has admitted that he shot the father of four and is cooperating with the Jacksonville State Attorney’s Office against his co-conspirators.

The judge told Gardner-Fernandez that when she returns to court Dec. 1, she will appear alongside her estranged husband, whom she hasn’t seen in months. 

Gardner-Fernandez shares 11-year-old twins with Bridegan. The pair split in 2016 but were locked in a custody battle that only ended with his death.

After the brief proceeding, Bridegan’s sister and father read statements thanking the public for their support. 

“Almost two years ago, my wife and I lost our youngest son to murder. Our children lost their dear brother, his wife Kirsten lost the love of her life. Jared’s children lost their father,” Gaylord Bridegan said. “His death has impacted many. The outpouring of love and support for Jared has been overwhelming and heartfelt.”

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Ashley Bridegan tearfully described her brother as “full of love” and an incredible father. “I think that those responsible thought that no one would care about Jared, but his family cared. All of his children cared. Our community cared and so did many wonderful people from all over the country,” she said. 

Earlier this week, Gardner-Fernandez parted ways with her local Jacksonville attorney and hired Baez, who has handled a slew of high-profile cases, including Anthony, former NFL player Aaron Hernandez and disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein.

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The wealthy parents of Gardner-Fernandez, Shelli and Sterling Gardner, who own the multimillion-dollar papercraft company Stampin’ Up!, are footing her legal bills, which are sizable, according to sources.

Weinstein briefly retained Baez to defend him in his New York City rape case before the two parted ways before his trial. 

The convicted rapist later sued Baez in civil court over the $1 million he’d paid him in legal fees.

Weinstein said he had paid Baez $200,000 a month.