Scottish Legal Worker Murdered In Los Angeles

A Scottish woman who moved to the USA to become a defence lawyer has been murdered in Los Angeles after suffering traumatic neck injuries.

Family and friends are working to repatriate the body of June Bunyan, 37, from the Isle of Arran, after she was killed on 11 September.

Ms Bunyan, who is also understood to have used the name June Renteria, established Renteria Paralegal Services in 2024 specialising in immigration law.

The Los Angeles Police Department has arrested and charged Jonathan Renteria, 25, on charges of murder, mutilation and sexual contact with human remains.

Ms Bunyan is a law graduate of Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.

A crowdfunding page to help with repatriation and funeral costs, set up by her friend Vicky Tulika, has so far raised more than £5,000.

Ms Tulika wrote: “June was known for her vibrant personality, infectious laugh, and deeply compassionate heart.

“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.”
Social media posts expressed shock at Ms Bunyan’s death and remembered her as a lovely person.

The suspect in her murder is being held at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles.

Local media in Los Angeles reported that Mr Renteria’s bail has been set at $4m.

Renteria Paralegal Services specialised in immigration law, and helping attorneys with “the tools they need to navigate the complexities with precision, efficiency, and care”.

The Foreign Office said it was supporting Ms Bunyan’s family and that it was in contact with local authorities in America.

BBC