The twin children of Microsoft executive Jared Bridegan, who was tragically killed, have been granted custody to the parents of his ex-wife, who is currently in custody facing charges in connection with his murder.
Twelve-year-old children had been residing with Sterling and Shelli Gardner since their mother, Shanna Gardner, was arrested for her alleged role in the murder of Bridegan. The incident occurred when Bridegan was fatally shot after dropping the children off at the Gardner’s residence on February 16, 2022. Shanna Gardner, along with her estranged husband, Mario Fernandez Saldana, and Henry Tenon, who is accused of being the actual gunman, are facing charges related to the killing.
Despite objections from Bridegan’s parents, who claimed that the Gardners had concealed Shanna’s involvement in the crime and limited their access to the children, the court decided to award custody to the Gardners. In a joint statement, both sets of parents expressed their acceptance of the court’s decision.
“As the grandparents of Liam and Abigail Bridegan, we, the Bridegans and Gardners, have used a cooperative approach to foster an environment that prioritizes the children’s needs, even in the face of challenging circumstances. That spirit of cooperation and collaboration led the parties to resolve the guardianship matter without the need for a trial. For both sets of grandparents, the proceedings were never about ‘winning’ or ‘losing’ but about ensuring that the children’s well-being remains paramount. Both parties are happy with what was settled on.
“We urge all parties to approach this matter with sensitivity and responsibility. We are hopeful that all parties can continue to move forward constructively, prioritizing the love and care that the children deserve.
“We will not be making any further comments publicly regarding this matter, and kindly request that all respect the privacy that a matter involving minor children justifies.”
Bridegan’s widow — and the mother of their then-2-year-old daughter, who was in the car when Bridegan was murdered — did not accept the decision, however.
“My heart is heavier than usual this week,” Kristen Bridegan wrote on the justiceforjaredb Instagram page. “This isn’t what Jared would have wanted and this isn’t what I want, but some things are out of my control/ability to influence or correct.”
“Given the feelings I’m processing right now, I won’t be responding to any questions or comments about it at this time. Thank you all. And FYI — I’m not part of the joint statement. Never will be. … Let’s hope and pray justice is served in the criminal case since it definitely wasn’t served in this one.”
Bridegan was shot dead when he stopped because of a tire in the roadway while returning home in St. Augustine after dropping the twins off at Gardner’s Jacksonville Beach home. He was shot multiple times as he tried to move the tire out of the road. His toddler daughter was found still in the backseat of his car. She was not physically harmed.
Tenon has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder, second-degree murder with a weapon, accessory after the face to a capital felony, and child abuse. He pleaded guilty earlier this year and agreed to testify against Saldana, who is charged with first-degree murder solicitation to commit a capital felony, and child abuse.
Gardner faces the same charges as Saldana, and prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for the pair.
