In a shocking turn of events, the ex-wife of a Microsoft executive who was fatally shot in front of his 2-year-old daughter has been charged with his murder. Florida officials announced on Thursday that Shanna Gardner, the ex-wife of Jared Bridegan, has been indicted on charges that include murder, conspiracy, and solicitation to commit murder. State Attorney Melissa Nelson described the murder as "cold, calculated, and premeditated" and stated that her office intends to seek the death penalty for Gardner.

The incident occurred in 2022, when Bridegan was found dead outside his Volkswagen Atlas on a Jacksonville Beach street. It was later revealed that Gardner conspired with her husband, Mario Fernandez-Saldana, to plan the slaying. Both her husband and another man were previously arrested in connection with the case, indicating that they did not act alone.

During a news conference, Nelson emphasized Gardner's central and key role in the murder and announced that she had been arrested in West Richland, Washington by agents from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Gardner, 36, is currently being held without bail in the Benton County jail.

The indictment against Gardner includes charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, solicitation to commit first-degree murder, and child abuse. It alleges that she and Fernandez-Saldana conspired to cause Bridegan's death and solicited someone else to carry out the killing.

According to prosecutors, Bridegan had dropped off his twin 9-year-old children, whom he had with Gardner, at her home before the incident. He was driving home on his regular route when he stopped to remove a tire from the middle of the road. As he got out of the car, he was shot multiple times, resulting in his death.

It has been revealed that Henry Tenon, a tenant of Fernandez-Saldana, carried out the killing, while Fernandez-Saldana was involved in planning it. Tenon has already pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and agreed to testify against any accomplice. He has yet to be sentenced.

Fernandez-Saldana, on the other hand, has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, solicitation to commit a capital felony, and child abuse. Prosecutors have stated their intention to seek the death penalty in his case.

Jared Bridegan, 33, was a Microsoft executive and a father of four. His widow, Kirsten Bridegan, expressed her relief at Gardner's arrest, stating that the family had hoped and prayed for this day to come. However, she also acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the event, reflecting on the loss they have experienced.

The shocking murder case gained national attention due to the brutal nature of the crime and the involvement of a young child. Prosecutors have not yet revealed the motive behind the murder plot, but it is believed to be connected to the contentious divorce between Bridegan and Gardner-Fernandez. The couple had been involved in a custody battle over their twins, which included allegations of mental manipulation.

As the investigation continues, Gardner-Fernandez will be extradited to Duval County, Florida, to face the charges against her. The community awaits justice for Jared Bridegan as the legal process unfolds.