The Florida widow of slain Microsoft executive Jared Bridegan faced her husband’s accused killer for the first time in court Monday before asking for his help to end “this nightmare.”
Henry Tenon, 61, arrived at the Duvall County courtroom wearing a white face mask and glasses. He’s facing second-degree murder charges in connection with the death of Microsoft business executive, Jared Bridegan. He’s also facing conspiracy to commit murder, accessory after the fact, and child abuse charges.
Tenon pleaded not guilty to the charges as Bridegan’s wife, Kristen Bridegan, watched in tears while surrounded by loved ones, Fox News Digital reports.
“Honesty, I think it’s still sinking in,” she reportedly said after seeing the defendant. “To think that might have been one of the last people my husband saw is kind of a hard pill to swallow.”
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Tenon was arrested last month in Jacksonville. The charges are all related to Bridegan’s death, with the child abuse charge stemming from Bridegan’s toddler daughter, who was with Bridegan when he was killed.
Bridegan saw a rimmed tire on the road while driving back home to St. Augustine on February 16, 2022. Police say he stopped to check on it when the assailant allegedly shot him in front of his child, Bexley, who was in the car for several minutes while her father passed away.
“That tire was purposely placed there to make him stop,” State Attorney for the Fourth Judicial District, Melissa Nelson, said during a press conference in January. “His 2-year-old daughter remained strapped in the car seat in the back.”
Kristen Bridegan and law enforcement believe that there are others involved in the murder, but at this time, Tenon has been the only suspect arrested.
“Henry, if you get to hear this, please choose now to do the right thing. Please help us receive justice sooner than later,” Kristin said. “Please help us in this nightmare that we are living every single day.”
Judge Roberto Arias set a trial date for July 19. Check back for updates.
Read additional information about the Bridegan case here.
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[Feature Photo: Jared Bridegan, Kristin and their children/Facebook]
