Authorities released the first mugshot of slain Microsoft executive Jared Bridegan’s ex-wife, who allegedly orchestrated his murder, after she was booked in one of Florida’s most overcrowded jails, which is marred by controversial deaths.
Shanna Gardner-Fernandez, 35, was booked in Duval County jail Friday night on charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and child endangerment counts.
She pleaded not guilty, and waived her first court appearance. She’s scheduled to return to court on Nov. 3 for arraignment in Florida.
Gardner-Fernandez allegedly masterminded a plot to kill her ex-husband, who was gunned down in front of his toddler daughter in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, in February 2022.
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Shanna Gardner-Fernandez’s mugshot was released after she was extradited from Washington state to Florida to face accusations that she orchestrated her ex-husband’s murder. (Duval County Jail)
She was extradited from cushy Benton County jail in Washington state, where she was arrested over the summer, to Florida.
Now she’s housed in a jail that increased its capacity from about 2,600 to 3,000 by adding more inmates to each cell and has been the subject of controversy for months.
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The jail has been in the local news recently as the city council debates a $380 million proposal to move the jail, which is rundown and at about 80% capacity.
There have been 12 in-custody deaths so far in 2023, according to data from the sheriff’s office, and 19 deaths in 2022.
A photo combination of Kirsten and Jared Bridegan with their daughter London, left, and his ex-wife Shanna Gardner-Fernandez, right. (Courtesy of Kirsten Bridegan/Facebook)
Synopsis of the case
Bridegan was lured from his car by a tire placed on a desolate road, where he was gunned down in February 2022, in front of his daughter, Bexley, then 2, who narrowly escaped with her life.
He had just dropped off the twins he shared with Gardner-Fernandez after taking them to dinner and was headed home to his second wife, Kirsten Bridegan.
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Jared and Gardner-Fernandez divorced in 2015, but they were embroiled in a toxic battle over custody and finances.
Gardner-Fernandez was the third person arrested in the case. Her husband, Mario Fernandez, and admitted triggerman Henry Tenon, 61, were collared months before. Tenon, a former tenant of Fernandez, is cooperating with prosecutors.
WATCH DRAMATIC MOMENT GARDNER-FERNANDEZ WAS ARRESTED
After the slaying, Gardner-Fernandez cut off all contact between Bridegan’s family and the twins.
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Prosecutors said they’re seeking the death penalty against Mario Fernandez and Gardner-Fernandez.
Fox News Digital reporter Chris Eberhart contributed to this report.
