(PatriotWise.com) — The ex-wife of Microsoft executive Jared Bridegan was extradited to Florida last week to face charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, solicitation to commit a capital felony, and child abuse in relation to Bridgean’s murder last year, First Coast News reported.
Shanna Lee Gardner, 36, was indicted in August for her part in the ambush-style murder of Bridegan on February 16, 2022, when he was gunned down in the street in front of his daughter.
Gardner was arrested in Washington state, where she resides, and extradited to Duval County, Florida, after a hearing last Thursday.
At the time of her arrest, prosecutors in Florida said they planned to seek the death penalty.
Gardner is one of three people charged in connection with Bridegan’s murder.
Prosecutors are also seeking the death penalty for Mario Fernandez Saldana, Gardner’s current husband. Fernandez Saldana was arrested earlier this year and charged with Bridegan’s murder.
The triggerman, Henry Arthur Tenon, pleaded guilty in March to second-degree murder in exchange for his testimony against Fernandez Saldana and Gardner. Under the plea deal, Tenon will serve 15 years to life instead of receiving the death penalty.
Bridegan, a Microsoft software developer, was driving home with his daughter on February 16, 2022, when he stopped the car to move a tire left in the road. As Bridegan was moving the tire, the gunman approached and shot him multiple times as his daughter waited in the car.
Jacksonville Police believed that the tire was likely placed on the road to lure Bridegan into a trap.
After his murder, Gardner told several Florida news outlets that she was not involved.
State Attorney Melissa Nelson told reporters after Gardner’s arrest that she played a “key” and “central” role in her ex-husband’s murder.
Gardner is currently in the Duval County Jail and will be arraigned on November 3.
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