Shannon Schott Analyzes the Mario Fernandez Trial and What It Means for Shanna Gardner's Case

Shannon Schott provided legal analysis for News4JAX during the Mario Fernandez murder trial in the 2022 shooting of Jared Bridegan. Shannon is not involved in the case.

During closing arguments, Shannon pointed out that both sides agreed the alleged gunman had no personal motive, but used that fact in opposite ways. She identified his connection to Fernandez as the defense's biggest hurdle and noted that long deliberations can raise the possibility of a mistrial.

After new charges were filed against Fernandez, Shannon told News4JAX they "radically changed" the legal landscape in Shanna Gardner's case by opening a new theory the State can pursue. She explained that the judge will have to weigh how much the new charges help prove the case against how unfairly they could prejudice either side, and noted that because Gardner and Fernandez remain married, spousal privilege may limit testimony.

Read the coverage at News4JAX: closing arguments and what the new charges mean for Gardner.