Crime House Daily: First Watch

Episode: Microsoft Dad’s Murder Case & Florida Sets 14th Execution of 2025
Host: Katie Ring
Date: October 10, 2025

Overview

In this First Watch episode of Crime House Daily, host Katie Ring delivers concise, up-to-the-minute coverage on two current headline cases. The first involves the murder-for-hire case of Jared Bridegan, a Florida father and former Microsoft employee ambushed and killed in front of his toddler daughter. Katie explores the chilling details released ahead of the trial of his ex-wife, Shanna Gardner, and her husband, Mario Fernandez. The second case profiles Samuel Smithers—dubbed the “Deacon of Death”—whose imminent execution highlights Florida's spike in capital punishment. Katie details Smithers’ crimes, confession, and the broader implications of the state’s execution surge.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Brief Update: The 1991 Austin Yogurt Shop Murders

[02:31 – 04:31]

• Before diving into the main cases, Katie addresses a recent breakthrough in the 34-year-old case involving the murder of four teenage girls in Austin, Texas.
• After years of dead ends, police match DNA to serial killer Robert Eugene Brashers, who died by suicide in 1999.
• Quote:
  "Justice may not look the same, but hopefully she [Eliza’s sister] can have some semblance of peace." — Katie Ring [04:21]

2. Case One: The Murder of Jared Bridegan (Microsoft Dad)

[04:32 – 20:00]

Case Background & Victim Profile

• Jared Bridegan, 33, was ambushed and shot dead in Jacksonville Beach, FL in February 2022 with his 2-year-old daughter, Bexley, in the car.
• Father of four, web designer, and former Microsoft employee.
• His marriage to ex-wife Shanna Gardner ended bitterly, with both alleging harmful behaviors.

Events Surrounding the Murder

• Jared maintained active co-parenting; on the night of the murder, he was returning home after a weekly dinner with his kids.
• Ambush set up: a tire was placed in the road, forcing Jared to stop.
• Quote:
  "Jared stops the car to move the tire, but when he steps out of the SUV, someone fires a gun at him multiple times. One shot misses Bexley by inches, another hits Jared and he falls dead on the ground next to his car—with the driver's door wide open." — Katie Ring [07:45]

Initial Investigation

• Security footage reveals a suspicious blue Ford F-150 pickup leaving the scene.
• Detectives focus early suspicion on Jared’s ex-wife, Shanna, and her new husband Mario Fernandez. Reports of disputes and threats surface in interviews.
• Memorable moment:
  "Shanna once said Mario had offered to get some friends to break into Jared’s house to kill him and Doug." — Katie Ring quoting a witness [09:55]

The Break in the Case

• Police trace a tire at Mario’s rental property that matches the ambush tire.
• Further inquiry reveals Henry Tenon (former tenant; associated with Mario) present at the scene via cell data.
• Checks totaling $10,000 from Mario to Henry strengthen the case for a murder-for-hire plot.
• Quote:
  "Records show that Henry and Mario had communicated by phone over 70 times in the months surrounding Jared’s death." — Katie Ring [12:30]

Legal Developments

• Henry Tenon arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit murder; later agrees to testify against Mario after plea bargaining.
• Mario Fernandez and Shanna Gardner both arrested and face charges for first-degree murder, conspiracy, solicitation, and child abuse—since Bexley was present during the crime.
• Trial is scheduled for August 3, 2026.

Notable Evidence & Twists

• Recent evidence dumps include:
  • Audio statements from witnesses discussing Mario’s violent boasts
  • Bodycam footage of police seizing Mario’s electronics
• Uncertainty arises:
  "We will be paying close attention to Henry Tenon’s testimony because in January 2025 he said his previous testimony was false and requested a new lawyer." — Katie Ring [14:50]

Impact

• Katie highlights the ongoing trauma for the Bridegan family, especially young Bexley.
• Advocacy for vigilance as the case heads to trial.

3. Case Two: The Deacon of Death – Samuel Smithers’ Execution

[20:01 – 30:14]

Background

• Samuel Smithers, 72, on death row for the 1996 murders of Denise Roach and Christy Cowan.
• Earned the nickname “Deacon of Death” for his role as a church deacon in Plant City, FL.
• Execution scheduled for October 14th, the 14th in Florida this year—a modern record.

Victim Profiles

• Denise Roach: Jamaican immigrant, victim of childhood struggles, turned to sex work to support children.
• Christy Cowan: Middle-class background, aspiring nurse whose life spiraled after failing a test, ultimately turning to sex work.

Murders & Investigation

• Both women last seen with Sam Smithers, who was caretaker on rural property.
• Marion Whitehurst (property owner) discovers Smithers cleaning an ax and a blood pool, triggering police involvement.
• Police find both bodies, with forensic evidence and witness testimony implicating Smithers.
• Quote:
  "DNA testing shows that it could have been Sam and Denise. They also confirmed the bloodstain in the carport was consistent with Denise's DNA. And Sam left a fingerprint in the kitchen along with shoe prints by the pond." — Katie Ring [25:25]

Smithers’ Confession and Trial

• Smithers fails a polygraph and confesses, offering shifting justifications for the killings.
• At trial, attempts to blame a mysterious “Mr. X” are rejected by the jury.
• Victim impact:
  "Christy Cowan’s father flies down from Connecticut to express his wish that Sam is not sentenced to death." — Katie Ring [27:10]
  Despite this, the death penalty is imposed.

Recent Developments

• Smithers’ lawyers recently filed an appeal arguing executing an elderly inmate is cruel and unusual, but courts have so far denied the motion.
• Florida’s death penalty administration under review due to execution surge.

Wider Perspective

• Florida’s 14 executions in 2025 outpace any previous year since 1976.
• The episode contextualizes Smithers’ imminent execution within broader capital punishment debates.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Justice may not look the same, but hopefully she can have some semblance of peace."
  — Katie Ring on the yogurt shop murders resolution [04:21]
• "Jared stops the car to move the tire, but when he steps out of the SUV, someone fires a gun at him multiple times. One shot misses Bexley by inches, another hits Jared and he falls dead on the ground next to his car."
  — Katie Ring on the Bridegan murder [07:45]
• "Records show that Henry and Mario had communicated by phone over 70 times in the months surrounding Jared’s death."
  — Katie Ring, on the murder-for-hire evidence trail [12:30]
• "We will probably be learning a lot more in the lead up to the trial and... bring you all of the major updates."
  — Katie Ring, previewing case coverage [15:25]
• "DNA testing shows that it could have been Sam and Denise. They also confirmed the bloodstain in the carport was consistent with Denise's DNA."
  — Katie Ring on forensic evidence in the Smithers case [25:25]
• "Before 2025, the most in a year since 1976 was 8 [executions] ... So we'll be monitoring the situation and bring you any major updates."
  — Katie Ring on Florida’s capital punishment surge [28:55]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00 – 01:40: Show intro, host overview, and disclaimer
• 02:31 – 04:31: Update: Austin Yogurt Shop Murders breakthrough
• 04:32 – 10:15: Bridegan case—background, marriage, divorce, murder
• 11:10 – 15:25: Investigation, suspects, evidence, arrests, and upcoming trial
• 20:01 – 30:14: Samuel Smithers’ crime, confession, sentencing, execution context

Episode Tone & Style

Katie Ring’s delivery is measured, factual, and empathetic—balancing the gravity of crime reporting with concern for victims and a focus on due process. She regularly reiterates presumption of innocence and withholds judgment, keeping listeners both informed and mindful of the justice system’s role.

Conclusion

This First Watch episode provides a concise, yet deeply detailed look at two major legal cases in 2025: an unfolding murder-for-hire trial and a record-setting execution in Florida. With an eye for critical developments and a steady focus on victims and justice, Crime House Daily arms listeners with the latest, most consequential true crime news.