Share and Follow
In a significant legal development, confessed hitman Henry Tenon has filed a motion to retract his guilty plea, potentially altering the course of a high-profile murder case. This decision, pending approval from Judge London Kite, could result in Tenon standing trial alongside Jared Bridegan’s ex-wife, Shanna Gardner, and her current husband, Mario Fernandez.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Henry Tenon, who admitted to the murder of Jared Bridegan, a father of four from St. Augustine, is seeking to change his plea, as revealed by court documents. The case, described by law enforcement as a murder-for-hire scheme, has drawn considerable attention.
Should Judge Kite accept Tenon’s motion, he would face trial with Gardner and Fernandez-Saldana. Both are implicated in the alleged conspiracy but have maintained their innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges.
The motion, submitted in Duval County last Friday, does not specify Tenon’s motivations for wanting to withdraw his guilty plea.
Jared Bridegan was tragically killed on February 16, 2022, in what investigators have labeled a “murder-for-hire plot.” Gardner and Fernandez are accused of orchestrating the crime, though they continue to deny all allegations against them.
Prosecutors charged Tenon with second-degree murder with a weapon, conspiracy to commit murder, accessory after the fact and child abuse in the case.
As part of Tenon’s plea agreement, prosecutors would have dropped all of his charges except second-degree murder in exchange for him “truthfully” testifying against Gardner and Fernandez.
Tenon is set to be back in court Tuesday, Feb. 17. On that date, a later date will be set to hear his motion intending to withdraw his plea.
The trial for Gardner and Fernandez is scheduled to begin on Aug. 10, 2026.