Tributes paid to Scots lawyer murdered in the United States
Family appeals for help to repatriate her body as police investigate in Los Angeles
Tributes are pouring in for June Bunyan, a 37-year-old Scots lawyer from the Isle of Arran who was murdered at her home in Los Angeles. Bunyan had moved to the United States to pursue her dream of becoming a defence attorney and had started her own firm, Renteria Paralegal Services, specializing in immigration law, last year. Local authorities said she died on September 11 after sustaining traumatic neck injuries.
Police have arrested 25-year-old Jonathan Anthony Renteria in connection with her murder and he is being held at the Los Angeles Police Department’s Twin Towers Correctional Facility. He faces one count of murder and a second count of breaching the California Health and Safety Code for all or either mutilation, disinterment, or sexual contact with human remains. Bail has been set at £2.9 million ($4 million).
June Bunyan, from the Isle of Arran, studied at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen before moving to the United States to sit the bar exam and pursue her dream of becoming a defence attorney. She started her own firm in Los Angeles, focusing on immigration law, last year. Bunyan’s family has launched a public appeal to bring her body home to Scotland.
Her best friend, Vicky Tulika, set up a GoFundMe page titled Help Bring June Bunyan Home, which as of yesterday had raised more than £7,000. The page explains that funds will cover repatriation to the UK, funeral and burial expenses, and any legal or travel costs associated with the tragedy. Tulika described Bunyan as vibrant, with an infectious laugh and a deeply compassionate heart, who moved to America to sit the bar exam and pursue her dream of becoming a defence attorney. Friends described bunyan as “such a lovely person” and noted that her life was cut short far from home as the family works to bring her back to the UK.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it is supporting Bunyan’s family and is in contact with local authorities.
Authorities have not released further details on the investigation, and local officials have urged anyone with information to come forward. Bunyan’s family and friends are continuing to seek support to repatriate her remains and lay her to rest with dignity in Scotland.