Logo

A father of four was shot dead in front of his 2-year-old daughter in a quiet Jacksonville neighborhood last week — and Florida cops are calling the unsolved crime a “targeted” murder.

Software engineer Jared Bridegan, 33, was found dead next to his SUV in the normally quiet Lake Sanctuary neighborhood with his child still in the vehicle, according to a report.

Officials said he had been shot multiple times at close range on Feb. 16 and that it was a “miracle” the girl was not hit by gunfire.

Bridegan’s car had its emergency lights flashing when officers arrived and there was a spare tire in the middle of the street.

Detectives on the case said those circumstances suggest that Bridegan, of St. John’s County, may have been lured to his death in some way.

Officials said Bridegan was driving a Volkswagen Atlas after having dropped off two of his children at their mother’s house nearby.


  Jared Bridegan was shot dead in front of his 2-year-old daughter. Police are saying it was a targeted murder. Jacksonville Beach Police Depart Jared Bridegan was shot dead in front of his 2-year-old daughter. Police are saying it was a targeted murder. Jacksonville Beach Police Depart

  Jared Bridegan leaves behind four children — two with his current wife and two from a prior marriage. gofundme.com Jared Bridegan leaves behind four children — two with his current wife and two from a prior marriage. gofundme.com

The software engineer had two kids with his current wife and two from a prior marriage, police said.

Jacksonville Beach police planned to comb nearby wooded areas for clues in the case and have offered an $8,000 reward for information on the shocking crime that stunned local residents.

A GoFundMe page for Bridegan’s family has raised nearly $60,000 so far.


  When police arrived, they saw Bridegan’s emergency lights flashing and a spare tire in the middle of the road.
 When police arrived, they saw Bridegan’s emergency lights flashing and a spare tire in the middle of the road.

“We are heartbroken over this news and are wanting to support Kirsten, Jared’s wife, and her family at this very difficult time,” the post reads. “Jared was 33 years old and was an amazing husband, father, brother, and son. He was full of life and loved spending time with his 4 kids and wife.”

Comments
anonymous profile image
Powered by RoundtableBuilt on infrastructure designed for real-time media. Learn more at RTB.io.© Roundtable 2026. By using this site you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy