Sisters in ‘Survivor’ Case — Put the Will To the Test

The sisters of Bruce Beresford-Redman’s murdered wife think her signature was forged on a will – and now they’re asking the court to let a handwriting expert determine if it’s legit.

Long story short, Monica had two wills — one from 2004 which says Monica’s sister gets custody of their two children … and a 2008 will that gives custody to the godfather of one of the kids.

In documents filed today in L.A. County Superior Court, Monica’s sisters ask the judge to let them have a handwriting expert analyze Monica’s signatures to determine which draft is the real deal.  According to the papers, they think Monica’s signature on the 2008 will is fake.

Bruce’s parents currently have custody of the kids. Bruce continues to fight extradition to Mexico where he’s been charged with Monica’s murder.

Source: TMZ

‘Survivor’ Producer — The Cremation Plot Thickens

Someone appears to be lying about Bruce Beresford-Redman’s alleged intentions to “immediately” cremate the body of his wife Monica Burgos Beresford-Redman — because despite her family’s insistence, the funeral home says it’s not true.

As we previously reported, Monica’s family members had claimed … Bruce contacted the Jardines de Paz funeral home in Cancun and requested to pay for Monica’s “immediate cremation” before she could be transported back to the United States.

But according to a rep for the funeral home, Bruce “had nothing to do” with the handling of Monica’s body … and never made any such request.

Monica’s family had previously released a statement, through an attorney, insinuating that Bruce wanted to simply destroy the “evidence” as quickly as possible.

Monica’s body was eventually transported back to California — no word on future burial plans.

Source: TMZ

Restraining Order Against ‘Survivor’ Producer’s Dad

Bruce Beresford-Redman’s father just got slapped with a temporary restraining order — filed by the general manager of the restaurant Bruce’s murdered wife owned … and she believes Bruce’s dad wanted to kill her.

Norma Paula De Ahlf says David Beresford-Redman entered Zabumba restaurant late Saturday night with his right hand inside of his shirt and asked an employee “in a very threatening way, ‘Where is Norma? I want to talk to Norma.”

Norma says, “The way he was looking at me with his hand in his shirt as if he had a weapon … so menacingly, I honestly believed he wanted to kill me.”

Bruce’s lawyer, Richard Hirsch, previously called the allegation “ridiculous.”

But Norma says in legal docs, “I am afraid of him and fear that he will harm me because of all the information I have regarding his son and Monica.”

Norma says, several weeks before the fatal trip to Mexico, Monica told her she was going to withdraw “a lot of money from their joint account.  In the following several days, she withdrew the money, she changed the locks on their house and threw Bruce’s clothes out in trash bags and out into the street.”

Norma claims “Bruce knew that I was aware about the extramarital affair …”

And there’s this … Norma says in her declaration … Monica told her Bruce and David had taken around $25,000 out of Monica and Bruce’s joint account to pay a debt David owed. Norma also says Bruce and David took additional money out of the joint account to buy either stocks or bonds in Bruce’s name only.

In Norma’s declaration, she claims she was suspicious of the trip to Cancun because it was the only trip Bruce planned during his 11 years of marriage to Monica.

A judge in Santa Monica granted the temporary restraining order, which prohibits David from going within 100 yards of Norma. The order expires on June 22.

Source: TMZ

Murder Charge Sought For Beresford-Redman

Prosecutors in the Bruce Beresford-Redman case want the former “Survivor” producer charged with first degree murder … Bruce’s Mexican lawyer tells TMZ.

Attorney Jaime Cancino Leon tells us prosecutors will make their move by end of day Monday.

According to Mexican law, the Attorney General will submit his recommendation to a judge, who will then review the evidence.  If the judge determines there is probable cause, Beresford-Redman will be formally charged with the murder of his wife, Monica Burgos Beresford-Redman, and the judge will issue an arrest warrant.

We’re told it will take the judge several weeks — minimum — to determine if probable cause exists.

Cancino is critical of Mexican officials, saying it’s easier to just charge the former “Survivor” producer than to properly investigate the case.

Cancino adds, “Bruce has never had the chance to defend himself.  They didn’t even give him the chance to participate in the investigation.”

If Beresford-Redman is extradited and then convicted of first degree murder, he would face 4 to 20 years in prison.  There is no death penalty or life sentence in Mexico.

Read more at TMZ

‘Survivor’ Producer Seeks to Regain Custody

The lawyer for former “Survivor” producer Bruce Beresford-Redman is at the courthouse in downtown L.A. right now … and sources tell us … Bruce is trying to regain custody of his kids.

We’re told Bruce’s parents have filed legal docs to withdraw their guardianship papers, clearing the way for Bruce to reestablish his parental control over his two kids. In other words, once the guardianship is removed, Bruce is back in his position as the custodial parent.

Monica Burgos Beresford-Redman’s sister, Carla Burgos, is also at the courthouse and we’re told she is ready to object to Bruce regaining custody.

Read more at TMZ

‘Survivor’ Producer Kids Told Car Crash Killed Mom

Former “Survivor” producer Bruce Beresford-Redman’s wife was hit by a car and killed — that was the false story that Bruce’s mother allegedly told his kids.

TMZ has obtained legal docs filed by Monica Burgos Beresford-Redman’s sister — Carla Burgos.  Carla is furious that Bruce’s mother lied to the two kids about Monica’s murder.

According to Carla’s declaration, Bruce’s mom, Juanita, told the kids, “Their mother had been hit by a car, fell, and hit her head. “  Carla goes on:  “She further told the children that no one in Mexico knew their mother, so no one could find her until their father finally found her in the hospital, and at the time she was already dead.”

Carla then complains, “I do not understand why Juanita provided so many horrible, not to mention untrue, details about their mother’s death.”

Carla claims Bruce’s parents “main priority is the money they will receive as guardians” and they are “trying to get the children to forget about their mother.”

Read more at TMZ

‘Survivor’ Producer — Passport Still in Mexico

Nobody stamped Bruce Beresford-Redman’s passport when the “Survivor” producer secretly returned to the United States this weekend — because the passport is still in Mexico.

According to Beresford-Redman’s attorney in Mexico, Raul F. Cardenas Rioseco, the former “Survivor” producer’s passport is still in possession of Mexican officials, who seized it after they questioned Bruce about the murder of his wife, Monica.

According to Rioseco, Beresford-Redman didn’t need permission to leave Mexico, because “he hasn’t been charged with anything.”

Rioseco tells us he plans on “soliciting” the passport — as soon as Bruce pays for services rendered.

As for how Bruce crossed the border without a passport … still a mystery.

Source: TMZ

‘Survivor’ Producer — Custody Fight Brewing

The sister of Monica Burgos Beresford-Redman tells TMZ she will fight Bruce Beresford-Redman for custody.

Carla Ferreira-Burgos tells TMZ, “I don’t think someone suspected of killing their mother should be in charge of the kids.”

As we first reported, the former “Survivor” producer is back in L.A. and will seek to regain custody of his two kids, even though he’s still considered a “person of interest” in the murder of his wife.

Source: TMZ

‘Survivor’ Producer Still ‘Person of Interest’

The former ‘Survivor‘ producer who is again ensconced in L.A. is still “a person of interest” in his wife’s murder … Mexican law enforcement sources tell TMZ.

An official involved in the investigation of Monica Burgos Beresford-Redman tells TMZ, “Of course he is still a person of interest to officials in this case.”

TMZ broke the story that Bruce Beresford-Redman came back to L.A. — but it is unclear if he came back with a passport.

Mexican authorities had previously told Beresford-Redman not to leave the country pending the investigation — it is unclear if he obtained permission before leaving.

Source: TMZ

‘Survivor’ Producer Wants Custody of Children

TMZ has learned one of Bruce Beresford-Redman’s first moves now that he is back in Los Angeles is to regain custody of his children.

The body of Bruce’s wife, Monica Beresford-Redman, was discovered on April 8 in a sewer at the Moon Palace Resort in Cancun. TMZ broke the story that Beresford-Redman is back in L.A. Now his lawyer, Richard Hirsch, says that since his client has not been accused of a crime, he has a legal right to custody of his children.

Hirsch adds, “That is probably what is going to happen next.”

Beresford-Redman’s parents currently have temporary guardianship of his two children.

Hirsch tells TMZ Beresford-Redman has already retained a family law attorney to assist him.

Source: TMZ

‘Survivor’ Producer Back in U.S.

TMZ has learned Bruce Beresford-Redman — the former “Survivor” producer who was not allowed to leave Mexico during the investigation into his wife’s murder — has returned to Los Angeles.

Richard Hirsch, Beresford-Redman’s lawyer, tells TMZ that Mexican officials allowed his client to leave the country. As Hirsch puts it, “He has been informed that he has no legal obligation to remain in Mexico pending an investigation into the tragic death of his wife, Monica.”

Hirsch tells TMZ his client “has returned to Los Angeles County to be with his children and attend to family and personal matters.”

Hirsch adds, “He is devastated by the loss of his wife, best friend, and the mother of his children. He and his family are requesting that their privacy be respected during this time of great grief and sorrow.”

Source: TMZ

Murdered Woman’s Husband Gets TV Show

Apparently you can be a person of interest in your wife’s murder and still get a piece of a show on the CW.

TMZ has learned, the CW network has just picked up a show, partly owned by Bruce Beresford-Redman — the ex-”Survivor” producer whose wife was murdered in Mexico.

Beresford-Redman and his partner, Rick Hurvitz, pitched a show to the CW called “Shedding for the Wedding,” a weight-loss reality show featuring couples who are competing to lose weight for their big day.

We’re told the casting director used to help sell the show was Joy Pierce — the woman with whom Beresford-Redman allegedly had the affair at the time his wife was murdered.

The CW will announce tomorrow that “Shedding for the Wedding” will be part of the 2010-11 season. In addition to Beresford-Redman and Hurvitz, David Broome of 25/7 Productions is an exec producer.

A CW source tells TMZ Hurvitz ended his partnership with Beresford-Redman after the murder, but we’ve learned their company which sold the show — Mindcrime, Inc. — is still an active California corporation.

The CW source also told TMZ Beresford-Redman will remain a profit participant, but only if he can perform his duties as an executive producer — which means he has to come back to the States when the show is being produced.  But, we’re told, Beresford-Redman will not be listed as an executive producer in the credits.

We could not reach Hurvitz or Beresford-Redman for comment.

Source: TMZ

Strange Life Insurance Request in ‘Survivor’ Murder

A nanny who worked for the former ‘Survivor‘ producer and his murdered wife claims there was ominous talk about a life insurance policy just before they took the fateful trip to Mexico.

In a declaration filed with the court, Maria Oaxaca claims just before the trip, Monica Burgos Beresford-Redman told her that her husband Bruce asked her to take out a life insurance policy.

The declaration makes it clear … the policy was for life insurance in the event of Monica’s death and the apparent beneficiaries were the couple’s two children.

According to the declaration, “She [Monica] thought it was strange since they had never taken out insurance policies before any of their other trips and said that it made her feel like her life was a soap opera.”

The nanny’s declaration was submitted in support of a motion by Monica’s two sisters to become guardians of the children.  The two sisters are opposing the move by Bruce’s parents to become permanent guardians.

Source: TMZ

‘Survivor’ Star’s Alleged Victim — ‘Big Brother’ Alum

TMZ has learned former “Survivor” contestant Kenward “Boo” Bernis has close ties to the woman he allegedly roughed up in a bar restroom … because she’s also a former CBS reality TV star.

Krista Stegall – who appeared on “Big Brother” in 2001 — tells TMZ she was in the bathroom at Bootleggers Bar in Lafayette, LA last month when Bernis allegedly stormed in, grabbed her arms, shoved her against a wall, and shouted, “this is my bar!”

Stegall says she filed for a restraining order against Bernis last week.  She claims she and Bernis — who co-owns Bootleggers Bar — were longtime friends, but never dated.

We were unable to reach Bernis for comment.

Source: TMZ

Sister of Murdered ‘Survivor’ Wife Makes Move

The sister of the murdered wife of a former “Survivor” producer wants to make sure the dead woman’s husband doesn’t get control of her estate … this according to new documents obtained by TMZ.

Jeane Ferreira Burgos filed a petition in L.A. County Superior Court, asking to be named the executor of Monica Burgos Beresford-Redman’s estate.

As we first reported, Monica named her husband, Bruce Beresford-Redman — labeled by Mexican authorities as a “person of interest” in her murder — executor of her will, but he’s currently in Mexico and not allowed to leave while the murder investigation runs its course.

Monica named Jeane as the alternate executor in her will — in case Bruce was unable to serve.

Source: TMZ

Will Filed in ‘Survivor’ Wife’s Murder

TMZ has obtained the will left by Monica Burgos Beresford-Redman … and she left all her property to her husband, former “Survivor” producer Bruce Beresford-Redman — the man who has been called “a person of interest” in her murder.

Under the will — drafted in 2004 — Monica leaves her jewelry, clothing, furniture, cars, books, real property and everything else to Bruce.

The will names Bruce as the executor, but if he is unable to serve, Monica’s sister, Jeane Burgos-Carrno, is the alternate executor.

The will states if a guardian of her child becomes necessary (at the time they only had one child — they now have 2), Monica’s other sister — Carla Ferreira-Burgos — will become the guardian.

However California Probate Code (sec. 250) says, “A person who feloniously and intentionally kills the decedent is not entitled to … any property, interest, or benefit under a will of the decedent.” The code also forbids, “any nomination of the killer as executor, trustee, guardian, or conservator.”

Remember, Bruce has not been arrested or charged in Monica’s killing.

A court has made Bruce’s parents the temporary guardians of the 2 kids.  They are asking for permanent guardianship.

Source: TMZ

‘Survivor’ Star Accused of Battering a Woman

The horrible week for CBS reality stars continues — TMZ has learned another “Survivor” star has been cited in Louisiana after cops say he battered a woman inside a bar restroom over the weekend.

Kenward “Boo” Bernis — who competed on “Survivor: Fiji” back in 2007 — is accused of walking into a ladies restroom at Bootleggers Bar in Lafayette, grabbing a woman by the upper arm and “forcibly move[ing] her.”

As we’ve previously reported, another “Survivor” contestant — Russell Hantz — was also arrested in Lafayette on Friday for battering a woman. Hantz also owns the Bootleggers Bar where Bernis’ alleged incident went down.

And over on “Big Brother” — two dudes from Season 9 are in all sorts of trouble for allegedly operating an  illegal prescription drug ring.

Attempts to reach Bernis were unsuccessful.

Source: TMZ

The former “Survivor” producer — Bruce Beresford-Redman –  suspected of killing his wife may now lose custody of his kids, because his parents have now made their move to get permanent guardianship … TMZ has learned.

David and Juanita Beresford-Redman – who now have temporary guardianship — filed legal docs in L.A. County Superior Court asking to make them guardians of the two children permanent.  They say Bruce wants it that way.

David and Juanita — who filed papers without a lawyer — say they are retired and in good heath, they’ve had a relationship with Alec and Camilia since birth, and are “able to devote ourselves to the care and nurture of our grandchildren.”

David and Juanita say, “We are both well-educated, each with a masters degree … we will be able to address questions that arise from our grandchildren…”

Those questions will surely include the murder of their mother, Monica, in Mexico.  Bruce was detained but released and ordered to stay in the country pending the outcome of the investigation.

David and Juanita say their son is “assisting the Mexican authorities in matters concerning the murder.”

Source: TMZ