A British woman’s dream life in Los Angeles ended in tragedy after she was allegedly killed by her husband during an argument about her body.
June Bunyan, 37, originally from the Isle of Arran in Scotland, had moved to the U.S. to chase her dream of becoming a defense attorney. She was found dead at her Los Angeles home on September 11 after suffering what police called “traumatic neck injuries.”
Her husband, 25-year-old Jonathan Anthony Renteria, was arrested and charged with her murder. He also faces another charge under the California Health and Safety Code for “mutilation, disinterment, sexual contact with human remains.”
Renteria is being held at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility, with bail set at £2.9 million ($4 million). He has since pleaded not guilty to all charges. His next court appearance is scheduled for November 18 for a preliminary hearing.
A Dream Turned Nightmare
June was described by friends as intelligent, passionate and deeply caring. She had built a new life in LA, launching her own firm, Renteria Paralegal Services, which focused on immigration law. According to local media, she started the business just last year and seemed proud of how far she’d come.
But behind closed doors, things weren’t as perfect. Prosecutors said that Jonathan told investigators he and June had been arguing about her “failure to lose weight following her pregnancy.” During the fight, June reportedly began packing her bags, saying she’d never let him see their daughter again.
He allegedly admitted to “putting the victim in a rear-naked chokehold,” leading to her death.
Local reports said June was last seen alive on September 4. The next day, Jonathan was seen leaving their home in the middle of the night with their baby. Hours later, witnesses saw him carrying garbage bags. Prosecutors accused him of dismembering his wife’s body before dropping his daughter off at his parents’ home.
Neighbors told reporters that June had confided about being in an abusive relationship. Many now say the signs were there but no one expected it to end so violently.
Arielle Miller, who lived in the same building as June, said: ‘He didn’t want her to talk to certain people. He was verbally abusive.
‘He would always comment on was her body and her weight.’
Remembering June
June’s best friend, Vicky Tulika, launched a GoFundMe page titled Help Bring June Bunyan Home which has raised more than £7,000.
In a heartfelt message, Tulika wrote, “It is with unimaginable heartache that I announce June’s death. Our lives are forever changed after she was tragically taken from us due to a violent crime in the United States.”
She described June as “known for her vibrant personality, infectious laugh, and deeply compassionate heart.” Tulika said that June was “exceptionally accomplished” with several degrees but her proudest moment 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.”
Tulika added that her friend’s life was “cut short so far from home,” and said they now face the heartbreaking task of bringing her back to Scotland. “She can then be laid to rest with the dignity and love she deserves, surrounded by family and friends.”
Brought Home to Scotland
June’s body has now been repatriated to the UK, according to reports by Sky News and The Independent. Her family confirmed her return to Scotland ahead of her funeral. The service is scheduled for October 31 at Brodick Parish Church on the Isle of Arran.
A statement from her family said they were grateful for the public’s support and the funds raised to bring her home. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office confirmed that it is assisting the family and is in contact with U.S. authorities.
The GoFundMe page states that donations will help cover “costs of repatriation to the UK, funeral and burial expenses and any legal or travel costs associated with this tragedy.” It adds that these funds will “help ease this burden during a time of profound grief.”
Back home on the Isle of Arran, those who knew June remember her as bright, determined and kind. She left for Los Angeles with hopes of helping others, and even though her life ended far too soon, her friends say her courage and compassion will never be forgotten.
