Will Jared Bridegan's Ex-Wife Or New Husband Flip On One Another To Avoid Death?
Aug 24, 2023, 07:00 PM
In an episode of the "Hidden Killers" podcast hosted by Tony Brueski, the perplexing case surrounding the murder of Jared Bridegan was discussed in detail. Brueski, alongside prominent Defense Attorney and host of "Defense Diaries" Bob Motta, dived deep into the intricacies of a case that's been both intriguing and perplexing.
Shanna Gardner-Fernandez, Bridegan's wife, after evading the clutches of law enforcement for over six months, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, now facing the harrowing death penalty. "She was sitting there free for half a year," stated Brueski, adding weight to the anticipation that surrounded her eventual arrest.
However, Gardner-Fernandez wasn’t the first suspect in custody. "They’ve had two guys in custody, obviously. Her current husband. And the guy they hired who happened to be a tenant in her husband's house," Motta explains. This tenant, identified as Henry, was the first to be arrested in January 2023, following a series of events that transpired in 2022.
Henry, seemingly eager to distance himself from the crime, wasted no time. Motta reveals, "He came out right away saying, look I'm gonna give it up against what he was calling accomplices or what I'll call co-conspirators." But as Motta explains, despite Henry's early revelations, the prolonged delay in Gardner-Fernandez’s arrest remains a puzzle. The only logical explanation, Motta speculates, may hinge on the nature of the interactions. Perhaps the interactions were solely between the tenant Henry and Gardner-Fernandez's current husband, Mario, excluding Gardner-Fernandez entirely.
A significant breakthrough was discovered when checks from Mario (the landlord) to Henry (the tenant) were found in Henry’s possession. These financial traces, alongside other statements from co-conspirators, Motta elaborated, "are exempt from the hearsay rule, like they get in." In simpler terms, any such statement would be permissible evidence in court, allowing for a more substantial case against the accused.
The subsequent arrest was that of Mario, Gardner-Fernandez's current husband. Motta reflects on the implications of this arrest, especially concerning the spousal rule. Despite being accused of the same crime, neither spouse can be compelled to testify against the other. "No, that's your Fifth Amendment right," Motta emphasized.
However, Motta hints at the prosecution's possible dilemma: if all the incriminating conversations were only between Tenant and Mario, proving Gardner-Fernandez's involvement would be a challenge. This is particularly true if Mario remains tight-lipped, refusing to implicate his wife.
The emotional undertone of this case cannot be overlooked. Motta, with evident anguish in his voice, lamented the tragedy the custody battle posed for the children involved. "When I see two people like this, that were just... doing the most damage to those poor little kids, it makes me sick," he professed.
As the case unfolds, a burning question lingers: Will one spouse flip on the other to avoid the death penalty? "If I'm her, I'm throwing [Mario] under the bus," Motta opined. But he admits, "Unfortunately we just didn't get to see the indictment. They said they're gonna release it in short order."
While the prosecutor promises a plethora of evidence within the upcoming indictment, the case remains awash in uncertainty. If the death penalty looms for all, what incentive is there for any of the accused to take a plea?
As the world awaits the next development, one thing is certain: the consequences of personal enmities, especially within the fragile ecosystem of a family, can have chilling repercussions.
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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
Shanna Gardner-Fernandez, Bridegan's wife, after evading the clutches of law enforcement for over six months, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, now facing the harrowing death penalty. "She was sitting there free for half a year," stated Brueski, adding weight to the anticipation that surrounded her eventual arrest.
However, Gardner-Fernandez wasn’t the first suspect in custody. "They’ve had two guys in custody, obviously. Her current husband. And the guy they hired who happened to be a tenant in her husband's house," Motta explains. This tenant, identified as Henry, was the first to be arrested in January 2023, following a series of events that transpired in 2022.
Henry, seemingly eager to distance himself from the crime, wasted no time. Motta reveals, "He came out right away saying, look I'm gonna give it up against what he was calling accomplices or what I'll call co-conspirators." But as Motta explains, despite Henry's early revelations, the prolonged delay in Gardner-Fernandez’s arrest remains a puzzle. The only logical explanation, Motta speculates, may hinge on the nature of the interactions. Perhaps the interactions were solely between the tenant Henry and Gardner-Fernandez's current husband, Mario, excluding Gardner-Fernandez entirely.
A significant breakthrough was discovered when checks from Mario (the landlord) to Henry (the tenant) were found in Henry’s possession. These financial traces, alongside other statements from co-conspirators, Motta elaborated, "are exempt from the hearsay rule, like they get in." In simpler terms, any such statement would be permissible evidence in court, allowing for a more substantial case against the accused.
The subsequent arrest was that of Mario, Gardner-Fernandez's current husband. Motta reflects on the implications of this arrest, especially concerning the spousal rule. Despite being accused of the same crime, neither spouse can be compelled to testify against the other. "No, that's your Fifth Amendment right," Motta emphasized.
However, Motta hints at the prosecution's possible dilemma: if all the incriminating conversations were only between Tenant and Mario, proving Gardner-Fernandez's involvement would be a challenge. This is particularly true if Mario remains tight-lipped, refusing to implicate his wife.
The emotional undertone of this case cannot be overlooked. Motta, with evident anguish in his voice, lamented the tragedy the custody battle posed for the children involved. "When I see two people like this, that were just... doing the most damage to those poor little kids, it makes me sick," he professed.
As the case unfolds, a burning question lingers: Will one spouse flip on the other to avoid the death penalty? "If I'm her, I'm throwing [Mario] under the bus," Motta opined. But he admits, "Unfortunately we just didn't get to see the indictment. They said they're gonna release it in short order."
While the prosecutor promises a plethora of evidence within the upcoming indictment, the case remains awash in uncertainty. If the death penalty looms for all, what incentive is there for any of the accused to take a plea?
As the world awaits the next development, one thing is certain: the consequences of personal enmities, especially within the fragile ecosystem of a family, can have chilling repercussions.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com