Juliana Redding Murder Case Heats Up
The case of the murder of Maxim model and actress Juliana Redding has turned over a new leaf after a court hearing this week.
Redding was just 21 years old when she was strangled to death in her own apartment in 2008. Forensic evidence placed Kelly Soo Park, 46, at the scene of the crime, and she was arrested for the crime two years ago.
Evidence on Redding's neck, cell phone, and knob on the stove proves Park's presence at the scene of the crime.
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Park has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge.
Today, prosecutors are saying that the case is more complicated than it seems. New court documents indicate that Park was hired as a hitwoman by wealthy Lebanese doctor and businessman Manir Uwaydah after Redding's father backed out of a deal.
Redding reportedly moved from Arizona to California in order to pursue a career in acting when she met Uwaydah and had a brief relationship with him, according to ABC News. The relationship ended when Redding's father Greg learned that the wealthy doctor was married with children.
Prosecutors state that upon their introduction through Redding, Uwaydah pursued a business deal with her father Greg, a pharmacist, over pain creams. Five days before his daughter's death, Redding allegedly sent a letter to Uwaydah backing out of their agreement on March 10, 2008. Redding was apparently suspicious that Uwaydah's business was an illegal operation.
Park was reportedly Uwaydah's real estate broker and financial assistant, but also served as his "debt collector," according to prosecutors.
The court documents say Park was "dispatched" by Uwaydah to "confront and intimidate" Redding on March 15, 2008, the date police say the aspiring actress was murdered.
Moreover, the doctor referred to Park his "James Bond," the court papers indicated, according to ABC News.
Uwaydah has not been charged with a crime, though he is wanted for questioning, reported the U.K.'s Daily Mail. The doctor has reportedly fled the country, and his whereabouts are unknown.
