By TopTrendReportTv
October 20, 2023
BENTON COUNTY, Wash. – Shanna Gardner, 36, from Jacksonville Beach, who is implicated in a scheme to assassinate her former spouse, is being transported from Washington state to Florida. As per the records from Benton County jail, Gardner was released on Friday at 6:30 a.m. ET.
She is set to face charges in Duval County for the alleged planned murder of her 33-year-old ex-husband, Jared Bridegan. Although Gardner initially resisted the transfer to Florida after her August arrest, she finally consented on Thursday. The exact date of her arrival in Jacksonville remains undisclosed for safety reasons, but officials have promised updates on her appearance in Duval County.
Legal proceedings in this case were paused due to the extradition delay. “The judge aims to align the proceedings for both co-defendants, which is why there's been a wait,” stated attorney Gene Nichols, unassociated with this matter.
Post the killing, Gardner relocated to West Richland, Washington, where her parents live, taking along the two children she had with Bridegan.
Authorities claim that Gardner was central to the plot against Bridegan, who was shot multiple times on the evening of Feb. 16, 2022, while his young daughter was in his SUV. The child was unhurt, but the circumstances led to additional felony child abuse accusations against the alleged conspirators.
Gardner and her 34-year-old spouse, Mario Fernandez, face multiple charges, including first-degree murder. The prosecution intends to pursue the death penalty if convicted. Fernandez, believed to have compensated the shooter, denied the charges in July. Indictments suggest Fernandez had planned the murder months prior, whereas Gardner may have had the intent since 2015.
Henry Tenon, a resident at Fernandez's property, admitted to being the shooter, pled guilty, and has committed to testifying against the pair.
Phone records reportedly show over 70 calls between Tenon and Fernandez surrounding the time of the crime. State Attorney Melissa Nelson highlighted the integral roles of all three in the "calculated" killing of Bridegan.
The high-profile case gained national traction in 2022 when Bridegan was shot after removing a tire obstructing his path home from his ex-wife's residence. The incident occurred close to where Gardner resided, marking it as a deliberate attack.
Representatives for Bridegan's family opted not to comment on the latest developments in the case.
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