A young mother watched her husband get murdered in front of their toddler.
Now she's making sure other children never face those same terrifying hours alone.
And Walmart just wrote one check that turned this Florida widow’s tragedy into hope for thousands.
Kirsten Bridegan Turned Her Worst Night Into A Mission
Jared Bridegan was gunned down in Jacksonville Beach on February 16, 2022, while his two-year-old daughter Bexley sat strapped in her car seat behind him.
The killer had placed a tire in the road as bait.
When Jared stopped to move it, someone shot him multiple times at close range.
Bexley witnessed everything.
Officers rushed Bexley to the police station that night where she spent hours waiting for her mother to arrive.
The officers scrambled to find something to comfort a traumatized toddler.
There were no diapers.
No sippy cups.
Barely any toys or snacks.
"The officers did the best they could with what they had on hand," Kirsten Bridegan recalled. "As a mom, I wish she had the things she needed to comfort her."
https://twitter.com/Justice4JaredB/status/1891224349027262593?s=20
That awful night sparked an idea.
Kirsten created the Bexley Box filled with diapers in multiple sizes, pre-mixed formula bottles, sippy cups, wipes, snacks, blankets, stuffed animals, books, and coloring supplies.
Everything officers need to comfort traumatized children.
"Simple items that provide such a strong and profound difference for a child in crisis who is away from the comfort of their own home," Kirsten said.
Florida Attorney General Makes Good On His Promise
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier watched Kirsten turn her grief into action.
Last March he gave her the Back the Blue Award for supporting children in crisis and helping law enforcement.
That same day, Uthmeier vowed to get Bexley Boxes into every county and municipal law enforcement agency in Florida.
On Monday at the Sawgrass Marriott in Ponte Vedra, Uthmeier delivered on that promise.
"In Florida, protecting our kids is the number one priority," Uthmeier announced. "I am proud to support the Bridegan Foundation's mission to support children who have experienced violent crime and I am grateful to Walmart for stepping up to ensure Bexley Boxes will be available statewide."
https://twitter.com/AGJamesUthmeier/status/2015835898462531599?s=20
The funding will place 120 additional boxes across Florida by the end of February.
That more than doubles the current distribution of 65 boxes already in place across Florida and 11 other states.
Law Enforcement Leaders Praise The Program
St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick received Bexley Box #7 three years ago.
"We are grateful to Kirsten Bridegan and the Bridegan Foundation for their partnership and the positive impact the Bexley Box initiative has made," Hardwick said.
Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma called the program "compassion born from tragedy."
"The Bexley Box represents compassion, comfort, and care for children facing some of the most frightening moments of their lives," Lemma explained.
He credited the partnership between law enforcement, Walmart, Uthmeier, and the Bridegan family for making the statewide rollout possible.
Walmart Regional Vice President Abby Belobraydic said the company is committed to helping families "during some of the most difficult moments they might face."
She said Walmart is proud to support a program that will "help provide much-needed care and comfort to children affected by crime."
The Florida Highway Patrol volunteered to help deliver the boxes across the state.
https://twitter.com/AGJamesUthmeier/status/2015811283640270925?s=20
Kirsten Bridegan Honors Her Husband's Memory
Three people face murder charges in Jared's death.
His ex-wife Shanna Gardner and her estranged husband Mario Fernandez are accused of hiring Henry Tenon to carry out the murder-for-hire plot.
Tenon already pleaded guilty.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Gardner and Fernandez.
The case is scheduled for trial in October.
While justice moves through the courts, Kirsten focused on turning tragedy into something good.
"This February, our Bexley Boxes will achieve statewide placement in Florida thanks to the support of Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, Walmart, and the agencies, volunteers, donors, and students who believe in our mission," Kirsten said.
She made clear this is just the beginning.
"In just three and a half years, more than 65 Bexley Boxes have been placed, and by the end of February that number will be more than double," Kirsten explained. "This milestone is only the beginning. We will continue refilling boxes as needed and expanding the program nationwide."
https://twitter.com/FLVoiceNews/status/2015824687561846822?s=20
Kirsten also thanked everyone who helped make the program possible.
"To every officer who has used a Bexley Box to comfort a child, to every volunteer who has helped fill one up and to everyone who has helped contribute to this cause, thank you," she said. "You are turning tragedy into compassion one box at a time. And together we will make a difference for children going through the unimaginable."
Uthmeier's commitment to the program shows Florida is serious about protecting children caught in the crossfire of violent crime.
Sources:
- Frank Kopylov, "Florida AG Uthmeier launches statewide Bexley Boxes initiative to aid young crime victims," Florida News, January 26, 2026.
- Skyler Shepard, "Florida Attorney General launches statewide initiative to support crime victims' children," CBS12, January 26, 2026.
- Drew Dixon, "James Uthmeier: 'Bexley Boxes' go statewide in effort to comfort children in traumatic situations," Florida Politics, January 26, 2026.
- News4JAX, "$100K Walmart partnership will help Jared Bridegan's widow add 'Bexley Boxes' in every law enforcement office in Florida," January 26, 2026.
- ActionNewsJax, "Kirsten Bridegan receives 'Back the Blue' award for Bexley Boxes from Florida Attorney General," March 27, 2025.
