Mario Fernandez Saldana has been charged with the murder of Microsoft CEO Jared Birdegan. Any updates? What is he charged with? Who is he? Who is the attorney representing him in court?
Read all about him in the article below.
Update on Mario Fernandez Saldana
Mario Fernandez Saldana, who is charged with the “premeditated” murder of Jared Bridegan, has waived his right to a speedy trial, according to court documents. Mario, Jared Bridegan’s killer, has pleaded not guilty. Informing the court that they will seek the death penalty at a future trial, the state has made its request public.
Jared’s ex-wife, Shanna Gardner-Fernandez, was married to Fernandez-Saldana. Both arrest warrants cite the couple’s “extremely bitter divorce,” which authorities also mentioned when they announced Mario’s arrest. She was not initially charged.
Jared’s ex-wife Kirsten expressed her approval of the prosecution’s decision to seek the death penalty in a statement released by the prosecution.
“Today’s announcement is another important step toward justice,” Kirsten said. “Learning that the State is pursuing the death penalty against Mario Fernandez Saldana is heartening news because it demonstrates the determination and relentless pursuit of justice for Jared, our family, and our community. We will not back down from those involved in the brutal, cold-blooded murder of my husband in front of our daughter.”
Furthermore, Shanna was married to Jared Bridegan (the murder victim) for six years before they divorced in 2015.
But according to an August 2023 update from ABC 7, Kirsten has been charged with first-degree murder in what Florida prosecutors are calling the “cold, calculated, and premeditated killing” of the father of four. A grand jury indicted Shanna in mid-August for first-degree murder, a capital offense, as well as attempted first-degree murder and child abuse, according to the prosecution.
“Words cannot adequately express the depth of our sorrow,” Shanna’s parents, Shelli and Sterling Gardner, said in a statement. “Family is our top priority. We love our daughter and are focused on supporting her and the rest of our family as we navigate this difficult and very confusing time.”
Additionally, Mario’s co-defendant, Henry Tenon, 62, pleaded guilty to murder in March. He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. According to authorities, Jared’s assassination was “premeditated.” He stopped to remove a tire from the road the night of his death; as a result, he was shot multiple times at close range. It is believed that the tire was placed there intentionally to lure the driver out of his car.
A man accused of ambushing and killing Microsoft CEO Jared, who was just 33 when he died, intends to seek the death penalty for him.
Mario Fernandez Saldana accused
Mario Fernandez Saldana was arrested on March 16, 2023, just hours after Henry pleaded guilty in Jared’s murder. That same month, he was charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation to commit a felony.
In addition to murder, Mario also faces child abuse charges, as Jared was killed in front of his 2-year-old daughter, Bexley. The State Attorney’s Office said it will seek the death penalty against Mario.
Who is Attorney Mario Fernandez Saldana?
Jesse Dreicer, of Tassone, Dreicer & Hill, is said to be the attorney for Mario Fernandez Saldana, who is representing the defendant.
Born and raised in Jacksonville, Jesse graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in public law and conflict resolution before earning his law degree from Florida Coastal School of Law. He is authorized to represent clients before the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida and the Florida Supreme Court.
Jesse also serves on the board of directors of the Child Cancer Fund and is an active member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He has presided over over 20 jury trials that resulted in verdicts since joining the Florida Bar.
Furthermore, Jesse stated, “There is a lot of information that will be released and we will not be making any additional comments at this time,” a question regarding the matter. He added that his client was detained in Orlando and is currently awaiting extradition to the Jacksonville area.
Mario Fernandez Saldana’s age
In 2023, Mario Fernandez Saldana is 35 years old. His birth year is believed to be 1988.
Mario Fernandez Saldana’s work
Mario Fernandez Saldana was a maintenance worker at a CrossFit gym, where he met Shanna in 2018.
No further details are available about his career.
Related FAQs
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Where is Mario Fernandez Saldana from?
Mario Saldana is from Jacksonville, Florida.
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When is Mario Fernandez Saldana’s birthday?
Mario Fernandez Saldana celebrates his birthday on April 28.