Shanna Gardner’s defense moves to suppress wiretap evidence in Jared Bridegan murder case

Attorneys for Shanna Gardner are asking a Duval County judge to throw out evidence gathered from wiretaps placed on her cellphone, Apple Watch and her sister’s cellphone — arguing law enforcement lacked the legal basis to intercept the communications in the first place.

– Attorneys for Shanna Gardner are asking a Duval County judge to throw out evidence gathered from wiretaps placed on her cellphone, Apple Watch and her sister’s cellphone — arguing law enforcement lacked the legal basis to intercept the communications in the first place.

The motion filed April 15, takes direct aim at two court-authorized wiretaps and the conversations they captured.Gardner is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the February 2022, shooting death of her ex-husband Jared Bridegan. The state alleges Gardner conspired with her husband and co-defendant, Mario Fernandez, to hire Henry Tenon — a former tenant — to carry out the killing.On Jan. 21, 2023, a judge authorized wiretaps — referred to in court documents as the “January Wiretap” — on devices belonging to four people, including Gardner, Fernandez and two of his associates identified in the filing only as J.B. and J.O.A Jacksonville Beach Police Department detective submitted a probable cause affidavit in support of the wiretap application. According to the defense, that affidavit was loaded with evidence against others — surveillance footage, location data, financial records and a Google search for a 10 mm pistol by J.B. — but offered very little when it came to Gardner herself. “The January Affidavit provided scant information against Ms. Gardner,” the motion states, noting it was limited to her relationship with the victim and with Fernandez, an alleged motive tied to a dispute that occurred years earlier, and three checks written to Tenon — checks signed by Fernandez Saldana, not Gardner. The defense argues there was no surveillance footage, no location data, no controlled calls and no incriminating statements tying Gardner to the crime.Law enforcement intercepted multiple phone calls and text messages between Jan. 23 and Feb. 3, 2023, through the January Wiretap. According to court documents, detectives flagged what they called “significant conversations” between Gardner and a friend identified only as K.J. In those calls, the two women discussed various theories about the case, the arrest of Tenon — which the defense notes had been publicly announced by law enforcement and the State Attorney’s Office — and Gardner’s concern that her phone was being monitored. The defense notes the timing is important: Gardner’s concerns about surveillance followed a Jan. 25, 2023, press conference in which authorities announced Tenon’s arrest. The defense alleges law enforcement “leaked” information to the media ahead of that announcement.On Feb. 3, 2023, a judge authorized a second wiretap — the “February Wiretap” — on a cellphone registered to Gardner’s sister, identified only as S.H. Det. Johns’ probable cause affidavit for that wiretap cited a call intercepted Feb. 1, 2023, in which Gardner and K.J. discussed S.H.’s upcoming visit, planned for Feb. 2 through 5. During that call, Gardner suggested K.J.’s husband — identified as B.J. — should call S.H. to “catch up.” Detectives interpreted the “tone” of the conversation as evidence that Gardner and K.J., not S.H. and B.J., would be the ones actually communicating through S.H.’s phone. The defense sharply disputes that interpretation, arguing the affidavit relied on the detective’s “subjective interpretation” of the call’s tone and pace — not on any concrete evidence.Gardner’s attorney argues both wiretap authorizations were built on speculation rather than probable cause, and that the issuing judge “abandoned her judicial role” by signing off on them. “The affidavits do not establish the most important link for probable cause for the evidence sought — that Ms. Gardner was a principal to the murder,” the motion reads. The attorney also points out that Gardner’s communications with her husband, her own attorney and a crisis management firm — cited in the January affidavit — cannot reasonably serve as the basis for wiretapping her, given the intense media coverage the family was facing at the time. The defense further argues that because the February Wiretap on S.H.’s phone was based largely on information gathered through what they call an unlawful January Wiretap, evidence from that second intercept must also be suppressed under Florida precedent.If the court grants the motion, all communications intercepted through both wiretaps — along with any evidence derived from those communications — would be excluded from trial.Mother demands safety changes after she says teen son was jumped, robbed at Westside parkFormer Jacksonville teacher’s arrest raises concerns about platforms not meant for messaging1 year after FSU shooting, records reveal suspect’s ChatGPT messages as victims are honoredLocal nonprofit helps disabled Army veteran, fiancée become homeowners in Green Cove SpringsBradford County commissioners postpone decision on potential ICE detention center'If you know something, say something': Mother of Rashaud Fields pleads for answers in his death'If you know something, say something': Mother of Rashaud Fields pleads for answers in his deathMan arrested in connection with fatal shooting at Circle K off Square Lake BoulevardIt's harvest time! These mighty microgreens are ready...Score a free Jumbo Shrimp replica jersey on April 18Color the Weather: Willie’s Forecast ☀️📚Operation New Uniform hosts 10th annual clay shooting fundraiser for veteransMan fatally shot at Circle K off Square Lake Boulevard on Jacksonville's SouthsideJacksonville family to remember teen killed hours after high school graduation four years agoRiver City Science Academy teacher accused of ‘grooming’ student using messages on Canva app‘First-of-its-kind’ affordable apartments coming to Northside; 25% of units reserved for DCPS staff‘First-of-its-kind’ affordable apartments coming to Northside; 25% of units reserved for DCPS staff▶What really happens after you drop off a donation? 👀A new housing development is coming to Jacksonville’s Northbank, but how affordable will it be?A new housing development is coming to Jacksonville’s Northbank, but how affordable will it be?Jags safety, Marine Officer Rayuan Lane III swears in recruits before NFL seasonThe Raines 4x400 relay team breaks a school record 👟💨▶Former dance company CEO still faces sexual battery charge after one count droppedFrom gold to green, just a few more days and it's harvest time!Heat, water concerns grown as drought drags on in Jacksonville

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