Photo: AP
His wife was found strangled in a sewer.
By Samantha Maffucci — Written on Sep 13, 2019
Self-proclaimed “murderinos,” as coined by the hosts of the 'My Favorite Murder' podcast, know that justice isn’t always served to victims of homicide. Cases like the shooting of Michael Brown by George Zimmerman or the acquittal of OJ Simpson continue to resonate and the miscarriage of justice leaves a hole in the lives of those families.
As we know, murder can extend into Hollywood. And aside from the murder of Nicole Brown Simpson, over decades we’ve seen homicides of all kinds, including the deaths of Rebecca Schaffer, Sharon Tate, Lana Clarkson, Bonnie Lee Bakely, and Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, among many others.
In more recent years, an executive producer known for Pimp My Ride and Survivor has evaded justice. Who is Bruce Beresford-Redman?
On April 8, 2010, Beresford-Redman’s wife, Mónica Burgos, was found dead in a sewer while they were vacationing in Cancun, Mexico at the Moon Palace resort where the family was staying. Mónica had been strangled.
Mexican officials immediately detained and questioned him, though he was released. Beresford-Redman then illegally left the country and took the train to Los Angeles. Two tourists at the hotel claimed to have heard the couple arguing just a few days prior, and Beresford-Redman was seen with scratches on the back of his neck and his hands.
On May 31, 2010, Mexico issued a warrant for his arrest and began extradition proceedings. Beresford-Redman was arrested on November 16, 2010 by U.S. marshals in Los Angeles, and he was denied bail.
In July 2011, he was extradited to Mexico on the basis of motive, which authorities believe could have included insurance money, getting sole custody of their children, and continuing his affair. Authorities believe he struck Mónica in the head with a bat or something similar, and then choked her before dumping her in the sewer.
In Marcy 2015, he was convicted and sentenced to 12 years in prison. But now, only four years after being sentenced, this alleged murderer is being released. He served a total of 7 1/2 years. His former attorney, Jaime Cancino, explained that prisoners in Mexico are eligible for early release after completing 60 percent of their sentence.
He maintains his innocence. In 2012, he appeared on 48 Hours, saying, “Everyone seems to have decided that I killed my wife. I didn’t kill my wife — I really didn’t. I’ve been accused of a horrible, abhorrent crime and I’m innocent. I did not kill Mónica.”
But Mónica’s sisters and family have always believed he was responsible for the murder. According to them, the couple were having issues because Bruce was having an affair.
Their children, who were 5 and 7 at the time of the murder, had been living with Beresford-Redman’s parents, though his father died last year. It’s unknown if he will get full custody back.
Photo: P&P/MEGA
But it seems like he’s already putting it all behind him. He was spotted out in Los Angeles on Wednesday with a new buzzed haircut and a beard, hiding behind a pair of sunglasses.
If he didn't kill Mónica, then who did?
Samantha Maffucci is an editor for YourTango who focuses on writing trending news and entertainment pieces. In her free time, you can find her obsessing about cats, wine, and all things Vanderpump Rules.