Jared Bridegan

Mario Fernandez, already convicted for the 2022 murder-for-hire killing of Jared Bridegan in Florida, is expected to plead not guilty to separate child sex charges when his new case proceeds in court. The new charges add a second criminal matter for Fernandez, who is awaiting sentencing or appeal in the Bridegan murder case that drew wide attention in the Jacksonville area.

Mario Fernandez, already convicted of murder in the killing of Jacksonville-area father Jared Bridegan, has pleaded not guilty to separate child sex charges in Florida. The new case adds to his legal troubles while he awaits sentencing or appeals in the Bridegan murder case. Local outlets are covering the plea as the latest development in a case that has drawn sustained attention since Bridegan was gunned down in 2022.