Gunman in Jared Bridegan Murder Seeks to Withdraw Guilty Plea

Tenon claims his testimony against Bridegan's ex-wife is false

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The man accused of being the gunman in a murder-for-hire plot to kill Microsoft executive Jared Bridegan in 2022 has filed a motion to withdraw his guilty plea, saying his testimony against Bridegan's ex-wife and her second husband is false.

Why it matters

This development could have major implications for the high-profile case against Bridegan's ex-wife Shanna Gardner and her estranged husband Mario Fernandez Saldana, who have been indicted on first-degree murder charges.

The details

Henry Tenon was charged in January 2023 with second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, accessory after the fact, and child abuse in Bridegan's ambush-style murder in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, on February 16, 2022. He pleaded guilty to the second-degree murder charge in exchange for his testimony against Gardner and Fernandez Saldana. Tenon now says that testimony was false and has asked a judge to let him retract his guilty plea before sentencing.

  • Bridegan was killed on February 16, 2022.
  • Tenon was charged in January 2023.
  • Tenon pleaded guilty in exchange for testimony against Gardner and Fernandez Saldana.
  • Tenon requested a new attorney in January 2025 and filed the motion to withdraw his plea in 2026.

The players

Henry Tenon

The man accused of being the gunman in the murder-for-hire plot to kill Jared Bridegan.

Shanna Gardner

Bridegan's ex-wife, who has been indicted on first-degree murder charges along with her estranged husband.

Mario Fernandez Saldana

Bridegan's ex-wife's estranged husband, who has also been indicted on first-degree murder charges.

Jared Bridegan

The Microsoft executive who was killed in an ambush-style murder in Jacksonville Beach, Florida in 2022.

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What they’re saying

“That tire was purposely placed there to make him stop. The toddler remained strapped in the car seat in the back.”

— Melissa Nelson, State Attorney for the Fourth Judicial District (CrimeOnline)

What’s next

The judge will decide whether to allow Tenon to withdraw his guilty plea at a court hearing next week.

The takeaway

This development raises serious questions about the integrity of the case against Bridegan's ex-wife and her husband, and could significantly impact the upcoming trial if Tenon's motion is granted.