Television producer Bruce Beresford-Redman hired a prominent Mexican attorney to represent him as authorities in Cancun kept him under investigation in connection with the apparent strangulation death of his wife while the couple and their children were on vacation in Cancun last week.

RadarOnline.com reports that the sometime producer of reality show Survivor has hired Eduardo Amerena, the same lawyer who helped Duane “Dog” Chapman get out of hot water when he was detained in Mexico for capturing an American rape suspect there without permission of local authorities.

The site reports that Beresford-Redman traveled 200 miles to Merida from Cancun to meet with Amerena. Beresford-Redman was detained and questioned after his wife's body was found Thursday near the hotel where the family had stayed.

He reportedly flew to Los Angeles, dropped off the couple's two young boys, then flew back to Mexico to report her missing last week. Mexican authorities stated he's still a suspect, and reports indicated the couple had a loud fight Monday. There were also reports the producer had scratches on his neck last week.

Wife Monica Beresford-Redman is a popular figure in Los Angeles' Brazilian community. On Sunday a candle-light vigil was held at Zabumba Bikini Bar & Restaurant, the venue she co-owns in Palms.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.