The Bombshell Charges That Delayed Shanna Gardner's Trial

True Crime Today | Daily True Crime News & Interviews · Aug 28, 2026 · 18m

Twenty-four hours separated a murder conviction from new felony charges involving crimes against children. Mario Fernandez was convicted Tuesday of first-degree murder in the killing of Jared Bridegan. On Wednesday, prosecutors filed two new counts against him.

The timing reshaped Gardner's case immediately. Her trial was days from jury selection. Judge Kite granted a continuance to May 2027. The defense filing says the new charges may connect to a motive Fernandez had on his own — separate from Gardner. If Fernandez feared the custody dispute would expose his alleged crimes, he had a…