Times coverage: Family of slain woman speaks to court about her alleged killer

A woman suspected of killing an aspiring model living in Santa Monica was released from jail on bail Monday.

Authorities discovered the body of Juliana Redding, a 21-year-old white woman, after her parents, Greg and Patricia Redding, of Arizona, informed them that they were concerned because their daughter had not returned phone calls.

When police arrived at Redding's condo, they found her strangled.

Investigators did not make an arrest in connection with the case until two years later, when they apprehended Kelly Soo Park, a 45-year-old Asian American woman.

Prosecutors have pointed to Park's employer, a Marina del Rey physician, as the link between the two women. Dr. Munir Uwaydah made six-figure payments to Park and her family before the killing and before Park's arrest, prosecutors said. Uwaydah has not been charged in the killing.

Redding's father, a pharmacist, and Uwaydah had planned to start a pharmaceutical business together, but the deal had broken down days before the killing, prosecutors said, indicating in court that Park was told to go to Redding's condo by Uwaydah to send a message.

Park has pleaded not guilty. Her trial is expected to begin next year. Uwaydah, through his attorneys, has denied any involvement in the case.

Since Park's arrest, the Redding family has declined to be interviewed and remained tight-lipped. But on Monday, before a judge cleared the path for Park to be released on bail, a letter from the Reddings was read aloud in court by prosecutors.

"Ms. Park was assured immediately after her incarceration that Munir Uwaydah would 'cover' Ms. Park's bail," the letter said. "It is evident that Ms. Park will flee the country if she is released from custody."

Reporter Robert Faturechi has more on the story: Parents of slain model break silence, ask to keep alleged killer behind bars

Top photo: Juliana Redding. Credit: DMV. Bottom photo: Kelly Soo Park. Credit: Santa Monica Police Department