Less than 5% of guardianship fights end in a last-minute settlement, yet this one did—on the eve of trial. A Florida court has confirmed that the 12-year-old twins of Jared Bridegan will stay with their maternal grandparents, Sterling and Shelli Gardner, in Washington state.
The decision caps a turbulent stretch that began with the 2022 ambush killing of Jared near Jacksonville Beach. After her 2023 arrest, Shanna Gardner consented to her parents’ guardianship before she was extradited to Duval County. The twins remained in the Gardners’ care throughout.
According to records and a source close to the case, the agreement includes visitation for Gaylord and JoAnne Bridegan. It follows nearly a year of filings by the paternal side, who first sought time with the children and later moved for full guardianship.
Sterling and Shelli Gardner, co-founders of Stampin’ Up!, are well known in Utah’s Latter-day Saint community. Public interest has surged around Shelli Gardner, shelli and sterling gardner, and the role of shanna gardner parents. Many readers search for connections to the company, including shelli gardner stampin up and details on the shelli gardner family.
At the center are two children and a fragile peace. The order keeps them with shelli sterling gardner while confirming that the Bridegan grandparents will have a path to see them. For those following the case, the status of the shelli gardner daughter now has clearer contours, even as the criminal proceedings continue.
Overview of the Guardianship Decision and Why It Matters
The court decided that the 12-year-old twins will stay with shanna gardner-fernandez parents, Sterling and Shelli Gardner, in Washington. This is where they have lived for nearly two years. The decision came after shanna gardner’s arrest in August 2023. Their mother agreed to let the grandparents have full guardianship, ensuring a stable home for the twins.
A recent court filing shows the importance of keeping a stable home life. It also highlights the twins’ access to their extended family.
Court ruling to keep the twins with maternal grandparents in Washington
Judges decided to keep the twins with their maternal grandparents in Washington. They based their decision on the twins’ established home and routine. The Gardners had custody before shanna gardner’s arrest, and the arrangement continued smoothly.
This ruling gives the Bridegan parents a structured way to see their grandchildren. It helps them navigate their relationship with the twins.
“Best interest of the children” standard and confidential agreement
The court’s decision was guided by the “best interest of the children” standard. Both families agreed to a confidential settlement. This agreement avoided a trial and brought a practical shanna gardner update.
The agreement respects the twins’ schooling, therapy, and community ties. It allows the case to move forward while considering the twins’ needs.
Visitation rights for the Bridegan family confirmed by a source
A source confirmed that Gaylord and JoAnne Bridegan have visitation rights under the settlement. This ensures they can stay in touch with the twins. The framework supports the twins’ needs and reflects progress in the ongoing case.
Timeline: From the 2022 Ambush Killing to the 2024 Guardianship Agreement
The journey from a deadly ambush to a safe home life took two years. Names like shanna gardner fernandez and Mario Fernandez Saldana became key. The case also drew interest due to shanna gardner stampin up connections.
February 16, 2022: Ambush shooting near Jacksonville Beach
On February 16, 2022, Jared Bridegan was shot near Jacksonville Beach. He had just dropped off the twins at his ex-wife’s home. The ambush led to a big investigation.
2023 arrests: Henry Tenon, then Mario Fernandez, and then Shanna Gardner
Henry Arthur Tenon was arrested on January 25, 2023. He agreed to cooperate. On March 16, 2023, Mario Fernandez was arrested in Orlando. By August 17, 2023, Shanna Gardner was arrested in Washington state.
August 2023 to present: Twins living with grandparents in Washington state
After Shanna’s arrest, the twins stayed with their grandparents in Washington. Courts worked on custody and criminal charges. Searches about shanna gardner stampin up also increased.
October 2023: Extradition of Shanna to Duval County
In October 2023, Shanna was extradited to Duval County. With her in custody, the twins stayed in Washington. A confidential guardianship arrangement confirmed their living situation.
Who Are Sterling and Shelli Gardner? Ties to Stampin’ Up! and Utah Community
Sterling and Shelli Gardner started Stampin’ Up! in their living room. They turned simple ink and paper into a big direct-sales network. Their work is known for workshops, handmade cards, and community.
They are based in Riverton, Utah. Their work has always been tied to church and civic life. This mix of business and faith has caught many people’s attention.
People are curious about the Stampin’ Up! founders and their family. The spotlight has also landed on their daughter. This has made more people want to know about Shelli and Sterling Gardner and their company.
What started as a small catalog and kitchen-table classes grew into a huge success. The Gardner family has built a culture of mentoring, events, and maker pride. This culture keeps their customers loyal.
The founders’ connection to Sterling, Utah, adds to the story’s appeal. It’s a mix of place, faith, and business. This blend keeps people searching for more about the Stampin’ Up! founders.
| Topic | Key Details | Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Company Origins | sterling gardner and shelli gardner launched Stampin’ Up! as a direct-sales papercraft brand | Explains why stampin up founder searches remain high |
| Location and Community | Headquartered near Salt Lake City, reflecting shelli gardner utah ties and faith-centered networks | Shows how regional roots shaped a national stampin up family |
| Public Interest | Curiosity about leadership and the stampin up owners daughter continues to grow | Connects brand heritage with current readership questions |
| Family Profile | shelli and sterling gardner often spotlight mentoring and creativity within the shelli gardner family | Highlights the personal face behind the corporate story |
Custody and Visitation Dispute Between the Bridegan and Gardner Families
The case started with a simple request for time with the children. But it quickly turned into a fight over guardianship. Both sides wanted control, contact, and a regular routine. The twins’ connection to the shanna gardner family and the broader shanna gardner-fernandez family drew public attention.
Bridegan grandparents’ petition for full guardianship after seeking visitation
Gaylord and JoAnne Bridegan first asked for unsupervised visits. But they later asked for full guardianship in June. They said the children’s access to their family had decreased.
They believed this change was needed to protect their relationship and ensure regular contact.
Allegations of limited access and supervised visits/video calls
The Bridegans claimed the shanna gardner family allowed only one supervised meeting and weekly video calls. They also said they were blocked from contacting stepmother Kirsten Bridegan and the twins’ younger half-siblings. They wondered if the shanna gardner-fernandez family was limiting the children’s ties to their paternal side.
Confidential settlement includes visitation for Gaylord and JoAnne Bridegan
Just before trial in Benton County, both sides agreed on a confidential settlement. The twins will stay with Sterling and Shelli Gardner, but Gaylord and JoAnne will get visits. This plan aims to keep the jared bridegan parents in touch, even if the children live with the stampin up daughter’s grandparents in Washington.
| Issue | Bridegan Position | Gardner Position | Outcome Noted by Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Placement | Sought broader role for paternal family | Maintain home with Sterling and Shelli Gardner | Children remain with maternal grandparents |
| Visitation Scope | Requested regular, predictable access for jared bridegan parents | Advocated structured contact to preserve stability | Confidential plan grants visits to Gaylord and JoAnne |
| Supervision | Objected to limits such as supervised meetings | Preferred oversight during transitions | Terms undisclosed; visits affirmed |
| Sibling and Stepmother Contact | Sought communication with stepmother and half-siblings | Raised concerns about timing and logistics | Not detailed; broader visitation secured |
| Legal Resolution | Filed for guardianship after visitation request | Negotiated to avoid full trial | Confidential settlement before trial |
Reactions from the Families: Joint Statement and Social Media Posts
After the ruling, emotions were high, but the public tone was measured. The mention of shanna gardner stampin’ up and the stampin up heiress background was everywhere. People were talking about the stampin up scandal and the stampin’ up scandal online.
Joint statement stressing cooperation and children’s well-being
Both families released a joint statement through attorney Rachel Woodard. They emphasized cooperation and the twins’ needs. They asked for privacy and said the outcome was not about winning or losing.
The statement noted both sides were satisfied with the settlement. This drew attention because of ongoing debate tied to shanna gardner stampin’ up and the stampin up heiress narrative.
Kirsten Bridegan’s response: disagreement and call for justice
Kirsten Bridegan spoke out on the JusticeForJaredB Instagram account. She said the decision was not what Jared would have wanted. She explained she was not part of the joint statement and argued the deal’s secrecy undercut justice.
Public reaction linked her stance to broader questions raised by the stampin up scandal and the stampin’ up scandal. It showed how brand ties can color a family matter.
Ongoing concerns about sibling contact and communication
Kirsten alleged the twins cannot call or FaceTime with their half-sisters, Bexley and London. This kept attention on the day-to-day impact of the agreement. It raised questions about whether contact can be strengthened.
As the case unfolds, the discussion around shanna gardner stampin’ up and the stampin up heiress label continues. It intersects with concerns about openness, trust, and the children’s ability to stay connected.
| Public Statement | Key Message | Primary Concern | Noted Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joint release via attorney Rachel Woodard | Cooperation and children’s well-being | Privacy and stability | Both sides reported satisfaction with settlement |
| Kirsten Bridegan’s Instagram post | Disagreement and call for justice | Secrecy of agreement and exclusion | Ongoing debate linked to stampin up scandal discourse |
| Sibling contact issue | Access for Bexley and London | Phone and FaceTime restrictions | Conversation intersecting with shanna gardner stampin’ up coverage |
The Criminal Case: Murder-for-Hire Allegations and Upcoming Trials
Prosecutors have outlined a detailed story about a suspected plot tied to Jared Bridegan’s 2022 death. This case has caught national attention, often called the stampin up murder case. It involves shanna gardner-fernandez and mario fernandez, accused of a murder-for-hire scheme.
The court documents and sworn statements are leading to a trial in Duval County. The case has sparked interest, with many following the stampin up murders and the story behind it. This interest stems from the brand connections and family ties.
Charges against Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez, including first-degree murder
Shanna Gardner-Fernandez and Mario Fernandez face serious charges. These include first-degree murder, conspiracy, and child abuse. Prosecutors believe they planned a murder-for-hire, part of the larger stampin up murder case.
Gunman Henry Tenon’s guilty plea and cooperation
Henry Arthur Tenon has pleaded guilty and agreed to help the state. He had dealings with Mario Fernandez and received money. This adds to the story of the stampin up murder, linking it to other stampin up murders.
Prosecutors seeking the death penalty; trial tentatively set for October 2025
The state wants the death penalty for both defendants. The trial is set for October 2025 in Duval County. Shanna Gardner-Fernandez and Mario Fernandez are in jail, waiting for their next court dates.
Public Scrutiny and Brand Association: Stampin’ Up! in the Headlines
Media attention has grown as the guardianship and criminal cases move forward. People are now looking for connections between family ties and Stampin’ Up!, a well-known craft brand. They are interested in leadership history, product culture, and how names appear in coverage.
Search trends often include shanna gardner stampin up and stampin up shanna gardner, along with “stampin up heiress” and “stampin up scandal.” People also look up the stampin up catalog to understand why the company is in the conversation at all.
To clarify, Shanna Gardner is the daughter of Sterling Gardner and Shelli Gardner, the founders of Stampin’ Up!. Mentions of shelly gardner stampin up and shanna gardner-fernandez stampin up reflect that family link. The business itself is not charged in the criminal matter.
Why does this matter to readers? Brand legacy influences how stories spread. When a family name is tied to a company with a national following, interest grows. Searches for the stampin up catalog rise as people revisit the brand while tracking the legal news.
Search trends: shanna gardner stampin’ up, stampin up heiress, stampin up scandal
- Spikes in queries for shanna gardner stampin up align with court dates and filings.
- Searches for stampin up shanna gardner and the stampin up catalog increase during major updates.
- Related terms, such as “stampin up heiress,” surface when articles reference family roles.
Clarifying relationships: shanna gardner-fernandez parents and brand founders
Sterling Gardner and Shelli Gardner created Stampin’ Up! and led its growth in the crafting community. References to shelly gardner stampin up and shanna gardner-fernandez stampin up appear in reporting to explain the family link. The focus remains on accurate naming and roles.
Relevance to readers: how corporate ties fuel interest in the case
Corporate ties shape public curiosity. A well-known brand, a recognizable family, and national news coverage form a loop of attention. That cycle pulls in product-related searches, including the stampin up catalog, as audiences look for context beyond the headlines.
| Topic | What Readers Ask | Why It Resonates | Related Queries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family–Brand Link | How is Shanna related to Stampin’ Up!? | Clarifies roles of Sterling and Shelli Gardner | shanna gardner stampin up; shelly gardner stampin up |
| Search Momentum | Why are searches spiking now? | Legal milestones drive attention cycles | stampin up shanna gardner; shanna gardner-fernandez stampin up |
| Product Curiosity | What’s in the stampin up catalog? | Brand recall rises during major news events | stampin up catalog |
| Media Framing | Is the company involved? | Distinguishes family identities from corporate actions | “stampin up scandal” context |
Key People and Relationships Central to the Case
At the heart of this story are family ties and shifting roles. Many ask, “Who is Shanna Gardner?” This question is tied to the lives of four children who connect two households. Each relationship shapes the present, from care decisions to court schedules, with public attention on updates and family structure.
Jared Bridegan’s family: parents, widow Kirsten, and the children
Jared Bridegan, a Microsoft manager and devoted father of four, is remembered by his parents, Gaylord and JoAnne Bridegan, and by his widow, Kirsten. Their younger daughters, Bexley and London, remain with Kirsten. The twins’ sibling bond with them is a key concern raised by the Bridegan side.
Family routines, school rhythms, and holiday contact continue to guide how the children experience both homes. The focus on stability is why these ties matter day to day.
Shanna Gardner’s family: Sterling and Shelli Gardner
On the other side are Shanna Gardner and the grandparents who now care for the twins. Many ask, “Who is Shanna Gardner?” and how her family fits in. Her background often leads back to her parents, Sterling and Shelli Gardner, co-founders of Stampin’ Up! with deep roots in Sterling Gardner Utah circles.
Public curiosity extends to family history, including mentions of Sterling Gardner’s first wife in profiles and local records. These details surface as readers seek context around the guardianship and the couple’s long-standing community presence.
Mario Fernandez and Henry Tenon’s alleged roles
Prosecutors have outlined alleged roles for Mario Fernandez, also known as Mario Fernandez Saldana, and gunman Henry Arthur Tenon. Tenon has entered a guilty plea and is cooperating with authorities. The claimed planning and actions remain central to filings and future testimony.
Each development prompts a Shanna Gardner update, renewing interest in timelines and how the claims intersect with family life. References to Shanna Garner also appear in searches tied to ongoing proceedings.
Key relationships continue to frame the case as courts, caregivers, and relatives navigate contact, routines, and a public eager to understand the people involved.
Conclusion
The court decided to keep Jared Bridegan’s twins with Sterling and Shelli Gardner in Washington. They said it’s for the “best interest of the children.” This choice helps keep the twins in a stable home, thanks to their grandparents.
There’s a secret deal that lets Gaylord and JoAnne Bridegan see their grandkids. This deal tries to keep things calm and regular for the kids. It’s all about making sure the twins have a peaceful life.
But, there’s worry about how much contact the twins will have with their siblings. Kirsten Bridegan is concerned about this. Even with visits set up, there are questions about how open things will be.
The families are now trying to set boundaries as the twins grow up. Courts will keep an eye on how well they follow these rules.
The criminal case is also moving forward. Prosecutors think Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez planned to have someone killed. Henry Tenon, the gunman, is working with the police.
The state wants to execute the people involved. The trial is set for October 2025. This has made everyone very interested, thanks to the Gardners’ famous business and the drama surrounding it.
This case has also made people think about the Gardners’ brand and how it’s seen by others. People are talking about the daughter who was arrested and her family’s connection to the case. For now, the focus is on making sure the twins are okay, while the legal battle continues.
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