In a tragic and highly-publicized case, Shelli Gardner, co-founder and CEO of Stampin’ Up!, and her husband Sterling Gardner, released a public statement through their Salt Lake City attorney after their daughter Shanna Gardner-Fernandez was charged with the execution of her ex-husband, Microsoft executive Jared Bridegan.

The indictment against Shanna Gardner-Fernandez includes charges of first-degree execution, conspiracy to commit first-degree execution, solicitation to commit first-degree execution, and child abuse. These charges stem from the shooting death of Bridegan on February 16, 2022, in Jacksonville, Florida. The investigation began when Bridegan, who had dropped off his twins at Gardner-Fernandez’s home, was shot and killed on his way home after stopping to move a tire from the road. The police suspected that the tire was deliberately placed in the roadway to make him stop.

During the press conference announcing the indictment, Bridegan’s widow accused the Gardner couple of keeping his children separated from the rest of the family and urged them to end this separation.

A 61-year-old suspect was previously arrested and charged in connection with the execution, and he later pleaded guilty. Another arrest was made in March when authorities apprehended Gardner-Fernandez’s husband, Mario Enrique Fernandez Saldana, after the first suspect agreed to testify against him as part of a plea deal.

The Gardner family, known for their leadership in the multi-level marketing company Stampin’ Up!, expressed their sorrow through the statement released by their attorney. The statement was released following the announcement of Shanna Gardner-Fernandez’s arrest and charges by State Attorney Melissa Nelson.