An arrest has been made in the brutal murder of Microsoft executive Jared Bridegan, who authorities say was executed in front of his young daughter last February.
Investigators in Florida have announced the arrest of Henry Tenon, 61, in connection with the murder of Bridegan, 33, who was shot in cold blood on February 16, 2022.
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Tenon has been charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, child abuse and complicity in a capital felony after the fact.
Investigators have not released a motive behind the murder, but suspect Tenon “didn’t act alone,” Attorney Melissa Nelson said.
While officials said Tenon was not acting alone, they also declined to say whether they had any information linking him to Shanna Gardner-Fernandez, Bridegan’s ex-wife, or her new husband, Mario Fernandez, who was previously suspected in the investigation. case were mentioned.
“We hope to be able to give you more answers, even if we can’t today,” said Gene Paul Smith, Jacksonville Beach police chief.
Authorities described the killing as a “planned, targeted ambush and assassination”.
During Wednesday’s press conference, Florida officials stated that the case is active and ongoing.
Bridegan, a father of four, was found shot to death on a Florida road after dropping his twins off at his ex-wife’s home in Jacksonville Beach.
The case has long baffled investigators after it was revealed that the Microsoft executive had stopped when he spotted a tape in the middle of a remote stretch of road.
After Bridegan stopped his car to take the tire off the road, an unknown gunman – who police believe is Tenon – opened fire, killing the father in cold blood.
Bridegan’s then-two-year-old daughter, Bexley, was in the vehicle and watched from the back seat.
The traumatized toddler sat in the car with her father’s dead body for three minutes until someone came by and noticed.
Investigators suspected that the father had been lured out of his car by his killer.
At the time, his wife, Kirsten Bridegan, was home with their then seven-month-old daughter London.
Bridegan and his ex-wife divorced in 2016, but the relationship was in turmoil over finances and custody of their twins.
According to TUSEN News, Gardner-Fernandez, 35, has since moved 2,800 miles from Florida to West Richland, Washington.
Bridegan’s widow was stunned to learn how far Gardner-Fernandez had moved.
“Honestly, I was shocked,” she told TUSEN News on Monday.
“First the twins lost their father, then they were completely cut off from their own sisters and now they are being taken away from their school, friends, their sports teams.
“They’re so isolated, and that’s what worries me,” she added.
Bridegan had custody of his 10-year-old twins every other week, but after his death, his ex-wife ended all contact with his family, Kristen told the outlet.
“It’s been an additional loss,” she told TUSEN News.
“In addition to losing Jared, my kids have lost their siblings. I’ve lost my stepchildren. I’ve been trying to connect for months and months, but I’m getting nowhere.”
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