GoFundMeThe friend of a Scots lawyer who was found dead in Los Angeles says the man accused of her murder did not “give her dignity in life or death“.
June Bunyan moved to California to sit the bar exam after earning a law degree from Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen in 2022.
The 37-year-old, who grew up on the Isle of Arran, dreamed of becoming a defence attorney.
Ms Bunyan suffered “traumatic neck injuries” in an attack at her home and was pronounced dead on September 11.
Los Angeles Police Department detectives arrested Ms Bunyan’s husband, Jonathan Renteria, on suspicion of murder, disinterment, mutilation and sexual contact with human remains.
The pair had been married since June 2024 and shared a one-month-old baby.
The 25-year-old pled not guilty to the charges and bail was set at $4m (£2.97m). A preliminary hearing has been set for November 18.
Renteria’s lawyer, Shaheen F. Manshoory, said in a statement he may have been experiencing “a state of psychosis” at the time of the incident.
He said: “My client may have been experiencing a state of psychosis at the time of this tragic incident, and was deeply distressed by the victim’s threats to take his only child away from him, possibly to another county, which would have meant he could no longer be a part of her life.
“We grieve deeply for the victim and recognise that this is an extraordinarily difficult time for all involved.
“Ultimately, the legal process will run its course in court, and in time, we hope to arrive at a just and fair resolution.”
‘He berated her constantly’
According to court papers, Ms Bunyan had filed for a restraining order against Renteria in December 2023 at the Superior Court of California, alleging domestic violence before the pair were married.
Renteria would send her pictures of OnlyFans models and say ‘why can’t you look like this’
– Arielle Miller, friend of June Bunyan
In a note to the judge, she alleged Renteria had made “numerous threats to destroy her livelihood”.
She also claimed he had made “threats regarding her immigration status” and made “numerous comments about her appearance”.
Ms Bunyan also wrote to the judge that Renteria, whom she described at the time as her ex-partner, “wished her dead”.
Arielle Miller, June’s neighbour and friend, told STV News that Renteria berated her about her weight.
She said: “He was verbally abusive to her, berating her about her weight.
“It was a constant thing. He would send her pictures of OnlyFans models and say, ‘Why can’t you look like this?’.
“When she got pregnant, he said his ‘muscle mommy’ would be gone because she would gain weight when pregnant.”
Renteria filed a response to the restraining order request on January 17, 2024, in which he said he did not agree with the requested order.
He also claimed Ms Bunyan had contacted him and asked to speak with him in person.
She failed to appear in court the following month, and the case was dropped.
‘She was not given dignity in life and death’
Ms Miller is organising a charity bike ride this month to raise funds to help June’s family repatriate her body and to raise awareness of domestic violence.
A GoFundMe, set up by Bunyan’s friend, Vicky Tulika, has already raised more than £18,000.
Ms Miller told STV News: “It moves me to tears.
“June was not given dignity in the way he [Renteria] disrespected her in life and death.
“She was such a light of a person.
“What is so important is getting her home to her mum. So her family can have peace and closure.
“Her soul, spirit and life are somewhere else right now. Her physical form deserves to go home and be with people who love and care about her.
“Her life can’t be lost in vain. Her memory lives.”
A post from her family on the GoFundMe read: “June was known for her vibrant personality, infectious laugh, and deeply compassionate heart.
“Exceptionally accomplished, she held multiple degrees, but her proudest achievement was earning her law degree.
“Driven by courage and determination, June moved to America to sit the bar exam and pursue her dream of becoming a defence attorney. She worked tirelessly to build herself a better life.
“June’s life was cut short so far from home, and we are now faced with the heartbreaking task of bringing her back to the UK. She can then be laid to rest with the dignity and love she deserves, surrounded by family and friends.
“We are asking for your help to cover the costs of repatriation to the UK, funeral and burial expenses, and any legal or travel costs associated with this tragedy.
“We never imagined we would be in this position, and asking for help is not easy. But any contribution, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference and help ease this burden during a time of profound grief.
“If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this page and keeping our family in your thoughts. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your love, support and compassion.”
You can view the fundraiser for June here.
A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in the USA and are in contact with the local authorities.”
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