In early June, an arrest warrant was issued in Mexico for Monica's husband, Bruce Beresford-Redman, as he was the key suspect in his wife Monica Beresford-Redman's killing.
Monica's body was found on April 8 outside the Moon Palace Hotel in Cancun where the couple was vacationing. She had been beaten and strangled.
Beresford-Redman, a former reality TV show producer, is accused of killing her while the two were vacationing in Cancun with their kids in April.
Bruce told Mexican authorities that Monica went shopping and never returned. Her body was found in the sewer on the hotel property where the Beresford-Redmans were staying.
About a week before the couple took off for their vacation, Bruce bought more than $500,000 worth of life insurance policies on Monica and each of their children.
Monica's body had scratches on the neck, signs of asphyxiation and evidence of a heavy blow to the right temple. Investigators believe she was suffocated Monday night before being dumped in the sewer about several hundred yards from her hotel room.
Hotels guests told Mexican police they heard the couple arguing Monday night, reportedly over their two children. A hotel security guard reported seeing Bruce trying to hit Monica during a heated argument. The hotel's electronic lock system showed the door to the couple's room was opened and closed at least 11 times that night.
Beresford-Redman had scratches on his neck and arms. According to an official at the attorney general's office in Quintana Roo state, he told police on Tuesday that his wife had left the hotel to go shopping the previous day and never returned.
According to the U.S. District Attorney's Office in L.A., the government of Mexico issued a provisional arrest request to the United States for Beresford-Redman. He was arrested without incident at his home in Rancho Palos Verdes Tuesday evening.
A U.S. magistrate signed an arrest warrant for Beresford-Redman Friday, according to the U.S. District Attorney's Office.
Beresford-Redman was to be held overnight Tuesday at the Metropolitan Detention Center. He was scheduled to appear in court Wednesday morning at the Roybal Federal Building in downtown L.A.
Richard G. Hirsch, attorney for Bruce Beresford-Redman, released a statement Tuesday evening:
"We are disappointed by the United States Government's decision to arrest Bruce Beresford-Redman. Based upon our investigation he is an innocent man being wrongfully accused by a foreign government. We hope that after full consideration of both sides, a federal court will decide not to extradite him."
Alison Triessl, attorney for the Burgos family, released a statement Tuesday night:
"After seven months of tremendous agony, the Burgos family is relieved to learn tonight that Bruce Beresford-Redman has been taken into federal custody. However, they know that this is not the end in their quest for justice for their sister Monica and are prepared to pursue this horrific tragedy to the end. The family wishes to thank everyone for their continued support."
Friends and family say the couple had a turbulent relationship, but they can't believe that Bruce Beresford-Redman is suspected in his wife's murder. Many gathered out the Zabumba Restaurant and Bar in Culver City, which the couple owns and Monica Beresford-Redman managed, setting up a memorial of flowers and candles.
Friends said the trip to Cancun was a last-minute change of plan. Monica was supposed to fly to Brazil to celebrate her birthday with friends. She would have turned 42 on Thursday.
Bruce Beresford-Redman was a producer for several episodes of the Emmy-nominated CBS reality show "Survivor," including "The Amazon" and "Marquesas" seasons, but was not currently working with the program, according to his profile on IMDb.com. IMDB also names him as the co-creator of "Pimp My Ride," a popular MTV car makeover show.
