Trial begins over murder-for-hire killing of Microsoft executive

Aug. 17 (UPI) — One of three people is on trial on Monday over an alleged murder-for-hire conspiracy in the killing of Microsoft executive Jared Bridegan.

Mario Fernandez Saldana’s trial begins Monday for allegedly killing Bridegan. Saldana’s estranged wife, Shanna Gardner, who is Bridegan’s ex-wife, is accused of conspiring with him to plan Bridegan’s death.

Bridegan was 33 years old.

Henry Tenon is an alleged accomplice of Saldana and Gardner who is accused of fatally shooting Bridegan.

On the day of his death, Bridegan dropped off his 9-year-old twin son and daughter with Gardner and was driving back home with his 2-year-old daughter in the backseat. Bridegan came upon a tire in the road, causing him to stop.

Police say that Saldana, knowing Bridegan’s routine, planted the tire to cause him to stop and get out of the car. When Bridegan did just that, he was ambushed and shot several times.

One of the shots hit inches away from Bridegan’s daughter who was uninjured in the car.

Monday’s trial opened with both sides reading lists of the evidence they plan to bring before the court.

Saldana is charged with first-degree murder and solicitation to commit a capital felony. Prosecutors have dropped two other charges: conspiracy to commit murder and child abuse.

Jury selection in the trial of Gardner is set for Aug. 31. Tenon’s trial will begin in March.