What Fernandez Was Charged With That Blew Up Gardner's Case

Fernandez's murder conviction was one day old when prosecutors filed two new felony charges against him involving crimes against children. One charge involves a girl who was about eight in April 2020. The second involves a different child at the home Fernandez shared with Gardner in March 2022.

Gardner's trial collapsed within hours. Jury selection was set for Monday. The defense asked for a continuance, citing the new charges and recently disclosed witnesses. Kite granted it. New trial date: May 2027. The defense indicated it wants to investigate whether the allegations give Fernandez an independent motive for the murder.

The marriage sits at the center. Gardner called it "convenience." Fernandez called it helping with "the Jared situation." The prosecution called it "a deal." The new charges raise the hardest question heading into May. Did Gardner conspire with a dangerous man, or did she unknowingly marry one?

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