Florida: Killing of Microsoft Manager Ruled as a ‘Targeted’ Ambush

Microsoft senior design manager Jared Bridegan was just driving home with his 2-year-old daughter in the back seat when he was brutally gunned down after he got off the car. Florida police have arrested the suspect, his ex-wife's husband.

Jacksonville Beach Police stated that while driving, Bridegan came upon a tire in the middle of the road. He stopped the car while his daughter was still in the backseat to remove the obstruction. However, while he was trying to move it, he was shot by Mario Fernandez-Saldana, who is married to Bridegan's ex.

The victim's daughter was found in the backseat of the car with no physical injuries. Nothing was taken from the vehicle.

Authorities called the attack a "planned and targeted ambush and murder." CNN reported that Fernandez-Saldana could face the death penalty after he was arrested on Thursday and later indicted by a Duval County grand jury for first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, solicitation to commit a capital felony, and child abuse.

The murder happened in February 2022, and prosecutors say that the 34-year-old "was integral to the solicitation, conspiracy, and murder of Bridegan."

Second Suspect Arrested in Attack on Florida Microsoft Manager

Bridegan was spending time with his twin children, who he had with his ex-wife and was supposed to be coming home. He had already dropped the twins off at their mother's house when he came upon a tire purposely placed in the middle of the road. This was when he was "gunned down in cold blood," according to Jacksonville Beach Police Chief Paul Smith.

WSVN-7 Miami reported that another suspect was arrested prior to this. Henry Tenon, 62, was charged with conspiracy to commit murder, second-degree murder with a weapon, accessory after the act of a capital felony, and child abuse.

Tenon has already pleaded guilty to second-degree murder with a weapon. He has also agreed to "testify truthfully against any accomplice." This was before Fernandez-Saldana was arrested, per the Florida State Attorney's Office.

Tenon is reportedly a tenant in a home owned by Fernandez-Saldana. Three checks to Tenon from Fernandez-Saldana were found by investigators in October 2022. The two men also had over 60 phone contacts with each other.

Slain Microsoft Manager's Wife Speaks Out After Florida Man's Arrest

Kirsten Bridegan, the wife of the victim, spoke out during a news conference following the arrest of Mario Fernandez Saldana. She is also the mother of the then-20-year-old who was riding in the backseat when her father was brutally murdered, according to ABC News.

"We have great relief knowing that two of the people behind my husband's murder are behind bars and are no longer a threat to our family," said Kirsten Bridegan during the press conference.

She added that she and her family are still angry that "they were walking free while we were grappling with the reality that Jared wouldn't be here for any future memories, vacations or tender moments with our kids."

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Arrest made in murder of Microsoft executive Jared Bridegan - FOX 35 Orlando