Former Survivor Producer Won’t Fight Return to Mexico for Trial

The former reality show producer accused in the death of his wife has decided to return to Mexico to face trial instead of appealing a recent decision by a federal judge in Los Angeles allowing his extradition.

Bruce Beresford-Redman's attorneys announced his decision Tuesday.

"We are disappointed in the court's decision denying our request to prevent the extradition of our client, Bruce Beresford-Redman,'' Santa Monica attorneys Richard Hirsch and Vicki Podberesky said in a statement. "After consultation with him, Bruce has decided not to appeal the decision and to return to Mexico and defend himself on the charges. He is innocent and it is his hope that the court in Mexico will assure that he receives a fair trial in which, he is confident, he will be exonerated.''

Carla Burgos, the victim's sister, and the family attorney said they were surprised by the move.

"Given the vigor with which he has fought this, tooth and nail every step of the way, we were really surprised that now he has decided to waive extradition and go back to Mexico," said attorney Alison Triessel, who added that the family was prepared for a long court battle.

The extradition must be approved by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. If it is approved, Beresford-Redman would return to Mexico within 60 days, Triessel said.

U.S. District Judge Philip S. Gutierrez wrote in the order confirming the extradition order on Dec. 21 that there are "pages upon pages of competent evidence'' pointing to the defendant's guilt in the April 2010 killing of 41-year-old Westside restaurant owner Monica Burgos.

Beresford-Redman, 40, is charged in the state of Quintana Roo with aggravated homicide in the death of Burgos. Her nude, beaten body was found at a Cancun resort on April 8, 2010, three days after her husband reported her missing.

Mexican authorities claim Beresford-Redman killed Burgos and dumped her body in a sewer near their hotel.

The couple's two children also were staying at the Cancun hotel. Their 6-year-old daughter testified at a July 12 extradition hearing that Beresford-Redman and Burgos were getting along during the trip, but prosecutors alleged that Beresford-Redman killed his wife for insurance money and to gain custody of the children.

The children are in the custody of their paternal grandparents.

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