A federal judge has ordered former reality television producer Bruce Beresford-Redman to be extradited back to Mexico to face charges that he murdered his wife Monica Beresford-Redman in April 2010.
In an extradition hearing Tuesday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Jacqueline Chooljian, siding with Mexican and U.S. prosecutors, said that "based on the totality of circumstances," there is probable cause to determine the former “Survivor” producer "committed the aggravated homicide of Monica Beresford-Redman."
This decision sets in motion the transfer process to send an American to Mexico to stand trial.
Beresford-Redman is accused of killing his wife Monica during a family vacation in Cancun last year. Her body was found in a sewage cistern at the Moon Palace Resort, where the couple was vacationing with their two children.
Defense attorneys had hoped that Beresford-Redman’s 6-year-old daughter could testify at today’s hearing to say that her parents were not arguing in the days before her mother was killed. But, this morning the defense decided against it.
”It was a very upsetting situation,” said Vicki Porberesky, one of the defense attorney’s in the case. “We just didn’t feel it was appropriate today.”
In court today, the defense argued that the government’s case was full of speculation and inconsistencies. They also argued that the evidence showed robbery was the motive for the killing of Monica Beresford-Redman.
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The victim’s sisters have been unwavering in their belief that Bruce Beresford-Redman is the killer.
“I don’t know if I feel relieved or if I really feel it’s a little bit less weight for my shoulders,” said Jeane Burgos, the victim’s sister. “Because it’s been a long road. It still isn’t finished and I know I still have a long way to go. At least it’s something --validation for what we believe took place.”
Monica Beresford-Redman's sister says the family will attend the entire trial in Mexico.
But, defense attorneys say they will file an appeal to the decision. Legal experts say this process could delay the extradition process. It could be a year before Beresford-Redman is forced back to Mexico where his lawyers say they worry he won’t get a fair trial.
“There are no jury trials in Mexico,” said his defense attorney, Robert Hirsch. “They’re handled by local judges and I’m concerned about whether or not he’ll get a fair trial.”
Beresford-Redman is currently held without bail in a downtown Los Angeles jail. He faces another court date this week. This time, he will be in probate court to decide on the custody of his children and his estate.
