Monica Beresford-Redman
(AP Photo/Courtesy Brazil Explore Magazine)
It is with grief that this column reports on the tragic death of Monica Beresford-Redman, (formerly Burgos) owner of Zabumba, a popular Brazilian night club and restaurant in west L.A.
According to numerous reports, Monica’s body was found on Thursday in Cancun, Mexico, in a gutter nearby the exclusive Moon Palace Resort. Although the cause of death has not been yet determined, her body exhibited signs of trauma and possibly strangulation.
Sources say that Monica and her husband Bruce Beresford-Redman traveled to Cancun on a “reconciliation” type of trip, after Monica recently learned that he was having an affair.
The couple (along their two young children) was scheduled to return to their Palos Verdes residence on Thursday, when Monica would celebrate her 42nd birthday.
Her husband reported her missing on Tuesday to both Mexico and California law enforcement authorities, saying that Monica left the hotel on Monday morning for shopping and never returned.
Mexican police escort
Bruce Beresford-Redman, top,
at the Quintana Roo state's Attorney
General's building in Cancun, eastern
Mexico, Thursday, April 8, 2010.
Beresford-Redman is suspect in the
death of his wife Monica after he reported
her missing in Cancun, where her
body was found earlier Thursday,
according to a Mexican official.
(AP Photo)
Hotel staffers have, however, stated that the couple had a violent argument on the previous night. Furthermore, recent developments reveal that Bruce allegedly flew back to L.A. with the children then returned by himself to Cancun before filing the missing person report.
Ultimately, Bruce was detained by Mexican police as the primary suspect – he had scratch marks on his neck – and is being subjected to toxicology tests. Until the investigation is completed, he’ll not be allowed to leave the country.
This story has been picked up by several news media outlets, due to the high profile status of her husband – Bruce is a former producer of CBS show “Survivor” and co-creator of MTV’s “Pimp My Ride”.
This author wishes to express sincere condolences to all of Monica’s family and friends. Like many in the Brazilian (and Latin American) community in town, I knew Monica for many years – Zabumba is a landmark in the Westside and her always present, lively and charismatic personality will be missed very much.
Please use the comment feature below to contribute with statements and/or additional information, such as dates and location of memorials, masses, services, etc.
In memoriam.
- Grammy winners Alicia Keys and Beyonce shoot music video in Rio slums
- Hollywood Brazilian Film Festival announces winners at closing night celebration
- Grammy Award winner composer, singer Gilberto Gil is coming to Los Angeles
- British magazine 'The Economist' says Brazil is Latin America’s big success story
- Sean Goldman is back with his father in US, ending five-year custody battle
Comments
hope he is the donkey show
I knew Monica, Im a cuban that used to come to dance to zabumba all the time. Im so sad and every one that used to come to her restaurant is so sad. Hope that something is done because Im so sad that good people always are the cause of something bad. We love her so much. Her babies how sad to be with out mami and papi. Hope that he pays for what he has done.
i knew monica as well- last night i drove by Zabumba- it seemed so dark and desolate. I stopped for a moment of silence and carried on.
She was so nice to me, i would go to zabumba 2/3 times a month.
its ones thing dying of natural causes, its another being strangled and murdered and im so sad, so so sad.
Monica was a wonderful person ...I knew her for 15 years..really messed up....RIP
HOPE HE GETS LIFE IN MEXICO! AND CAN NEVER RETURN TO THIS COUNTRY! HOW ABOUT THE "GIRRRRL" WHERE IS SHE NOW? SHE WAITING TO MAKE SOME MONEY BEFORE SHE CAN OPEN HER DUTY MOUTH!
Monica was a great host. She was always so hospitable when i could visit. To the LA community, a few years ago, here in the Bay Area we also suffered a unexpected devastating lost with in our Brasilian Dance & Drum community. Stay strong, come 2gether and don't let her work fade or be forgotten. RIP Monica.......Theo@CaribelinQ
I Know this girl for 10 Years!This not fear what happen to her! He never will find a good mom for his kids like her she was a great person and friendly!And a great mom and wife!We miss you!
Hopefully the FBI will find the criminal!And give what this person deserve!The hell!
We want JUSTICE!Nobody deserve to be killed!Monica was a wonderful person!We are missing you!Please FBI do something!
I just can't belive!!! I knew both,back in 1999/2000, i did even work @ Zabumba... I moved out of LA has about 10 years,and lost contact,but always did keep in mind that fun place"Zabumba"! Venice Blv., is not gonna be the same with out That little Copacabana side walk... This is a very sad news... R.I.P. Monica, hope they catch who is responsable for this!
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