A SCOTS lawyer has been murdered in her Los Angeles home after moving to the US to pursue her dream of becoming a defence attorney.
June Bunyan, 37, from Arran suffered ‘traumatic’ neck injuries at the property in California, on September 4.
June Bunyan was found dead at her home in Los Angeles last week
A suspect has been arrested following the 27-year-old’s death
The lawyer was living in LA to sit her bar exams and pursue a career in law in the USGetty
June has been hailed for her “vibrant personality, infectious laugh, and deeply compassionate heart”
LAPD officers arrested Jonathan Renteria, 25, on charges of murder, mutilation and sexual contact with human remains.
A spokesperson for LA cops told The Scottish Sun that detectives nicked the suspect on September 11.
The suspect was booked into Twin Towers Correctional Facility the following day with a bail of around £3million.
He remains in custody and faces one charge of murder and another of mutilation, disinterment and sexual contact with human remains.
The death has stunned friends and family of popular June – who grew up on the Isle of Arran and graduated with a law degree from Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen in 2022.
She had recently moved to the US to pursue a dream of defending those accused of crimes.
It’s not clear if June knew the man charged with her murder.
Her grieving loved ones are now trying to raise funds to have her body returned home to Scotland.
An online fundraiser has been set up, so far raising around £5,000.
On the gofundme page, her friend, Vicky Tulika, wrote: “With unimaginable heartbreak, we share the devastating news that our beloved daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend, June Bunyan, was tragically taken from us due to a violent crime in the United States. Our lives are forever changed. She was only 37.
“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 hearts, thank you for your love, support and compassion.”
The fundraiser – entitled Help Bring June Bunyan Home – had reached over £5,000 of its £10k target tonight.
It’s understood June was also a huge fan of mixed martial arts.
A friend on social media wrote: “For anyone on #MMA Twitter who knew my friend ..sorry to announce that she was murdered last week.
“There is a gofundme to repatriate her back to Scotland if you can donate or share.”
The gofundme page can be visited 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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