JACKSONVILLE BEACH, FL – The confessed gunman in the 2022 murder-for-hire of Microsoft executive Jared Bridegan has filed a motion to withdraw his guilty plea, claiming his testimony implicating the victim’s ex-wife was fabricated.
Henry Tenon, who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in exchange for testifying against Bridegan’s ex-wife Shanna Gardner and her husband Mario Fernandez Saldana, now says his previous statements were false. Court documents show Tenon is requesting permission to retract his plea agreement before his sentencing hearing.
Tenon was initially charged with second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, accessory after the fact, and child abuse in connection with Bridegan’s February 16, 2022 killing in Jacksonville Beach. His plea deal required him to provide testimony against Gardner and Fernandez Saldana, who have been indicted on first-degree murder charges.
The 39-year-old Bridegan was shot and killed after stopping to check on a tire placed in the roadway while returning home to St. Augustine from dropping off his twin 9-year-old children at Gardner’s residence. His 2-year-old daughter Bexley was present in the vehicle during the shooting.
“That tire was purposely placed there to make him stop,” State Attorney Melissa Nelson said during a January press conference. Investigators believe the tire was used as a trap to force Bridegan to exit his vehicle.
Prosecutors allege Gardner and Fernandez Saldana offered Tenon $150,000 to carry out the killing. Evidence presented at Gardner’s bond hearing included a $5,000 check dated April 4, 2022, allegedly sent from Gardner to Tenon with “Kickstarter” and “Good luck!” written in the memo line.
Tenon first indicated his testimony was false in January 2025 when he requested new legal representation. The motion to withdraw his guilty plea represents a significant development in the case against Gardner and Fernandez Saldana.
Jury selection for Gardner and Fernandez Saldana’s trial is scheduled to begin August 10. Both defendants face first-degree murder charges and additional counts related to the alleged murder-for-hire plot.
The State Attorney’s Office declined to comment on Tenon’s motion, stating they would address the matter at next week’s court hearing. The case has drawn significant attention due to the calculated nature of the alleged plot and the presence of Bridegan’s young daughter during the shooting.
