A lawyer who represented accused child killer Casey Anthony is now representing another Florida woman, who stands accused of orchestrating the murder of her former Microsoft executive husband, Jared Bridegan.
According to News4JAx, Shanna Gardner, who’s currently charged with arranging Bridegan’s murder, has retained Jose Baez for her defense, according to court records. The high-profile Miami attorney became well-known for Anthony’s 2011 murder acquittal in connection with the death of her toddler daughter, Caylee Anthony.
Baez also represented former NFL star Aaron Hernandez during his double homicide murder trial, as well as convicted rapist, Harvey Weinstein.
“The hiring of a national defense lawyer is going to focus everything on her,” lawyer Gene Nichols, who isn’t connected to the case, told the outlet.
“Her defense is now going to be in the public eye, I think, more than ever. Her lawyer who has obviously been involved in several high profile cases that have been covered across the county, knows how to try the case in the media and at the same time in the courtroom.”
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Gardner is facing charges of first-degree murder, solicitation to commit a capital felony, and conspiracy to commit murder. On February 16, 2022, Bridegan was shot to death in Jacksonville Beach after dropping off his twin children whom he shared with Gardner at her home.
Bridegan came upon a tire obstructing the road and got out of his vehicle when was shot repeatedly. His 2-year-old daughter was in the vehicle’s back seat.
Bridegan and Gardner were in the midst of a bitter divorce and were disputing custody over the twins at the time of the slaying. Prior to the divorce, Gardner allegedly was heard asking in a tattoo parlor if anyone could “shut him up” in reference to Bridegan.
After the shooting, Gardner moved from Florida to West Richland, Washington, a small city along the Columbia River.
Gardner’s second husband, 34-year-old Mario Enrique Fernandez Saldana, is also accused of playing a role in the killing. He has pleaded not guilty, First Coast News reports.
Henry Tenonhas, 62, Fernandez Saldana’s former renter, was the gunman who fatally shot Bridgean and has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.
Prosecutors have also charged Gardner with child abuse because Bridegan’s 2-year-old daughter was in the car when he was killed.
Gardner is scheduled to appear in court on November 3 for her arraignment. She and Fernandez Saldana face the death penalty if convicted.
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[Feature Photo: Jared Bridegan and Shanna Gardner-Fernandez/Facebook]
