Mario Fernandez Saldana's murder trial began in Florida as the widow of slain Microsoft executive Jared Bridegan took the witness stand to recount a bitter custody conflict and an eerie final phone call.
Prosecutors allege that Fernandez Saldana helped plan and finance the roadside ambush, while Henry Tenon acted as the gunman. Fernandez Saldana has entered a plea of not guilty.
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SubscribeKirsten Bridegan described a fractured co-parenting relationship characterized by a complete lack of trust and heavy reliance on text messages and emails for communication.
Jurors also reviewed security camera footage that allegedly traced vehicles near the crime scene around the time the Microsoft executive was killed in Jacksonville Beach.
Widow Recalls Final Call Before Ambush
During her testimony, Kirsten detailed the routine dinner outing that preceded the fatal shooting on a dark, secluded Florida road.
She recalled speaking with Jared Bridegan right after he dropped off his twins, noting an unusual and lingering silence before the call ended.
When Bridegan failed to return home, she began calling his phone and eventually drove toward Jacksonville Beach, where officers informed her of his death.
The high-profile case continues to unfold with separate trials scheduled for the other defendants linked to the murder-for-hire plot.