THE FAMILY of an alleged killer accused of murdering and mutilating his Scots wife revealed he had kept his marriage and baby a secret from them as they told of their “devastation”.
Jonathan Renteria’s dad told how he had never met lawyer June Bunyan, 37, who his son is said to have choked to death following an argument at their Hollywood apartment.
Law career . . . June at 2022 graduation with mum Jill
Police car on streets of US movie capitalAlamy
Jonathan Renteria… accused
June’s loved ones previously spoke of their “unimaginable heartbreak” after she was found dead with “traumatic neck injuries” earlier this month at her home in the US.
Renteria was later found bleeding in a hotel room with a note confessing to the murder.
Court records have since revealed the pair had been married for a year — while daughter Regina is believed to have been born in July.
Prosecutors say 25-year-old Renteria told cops in a recorded interview following his arrest that he and June had rowed about her “failure to lose weight” following her pregnancy.
He claimed she began packing to leave their Los Angeles home — and warned him she would never let him see the girl again.
Renteria is then said to have put her in a rear-naked chokehold and killed her. And he is said to have then mutilated her body.
He has since been charged by prosecutors and faces trial.
Gruesome details of the case emerged as Renteria’s dad Julio, 44, said he only learned his son had got married after his arrest.
His grand-daughter Regina is believed to be staying with him. Asked about June, he told The Scottish Sun: “We don’t know who she is. We’ve never met her.
“We feel horrible for her family.
“We didn’t even know he had a girlfriend. It’s been a shock for us. He always kept to himself.
“It’s a difficult time. It’s a difficult time for everyone.
“It’s really bad. We’re scared. We’re devastated. It’s not something I ever imagined would happen.
“There’s just no way to explain the pain that we’re all going through. And this is for both families, you know?
“We can’t really say much because it’s an ongoing investigation. There’s attorneys involved.
“To be honest with you, we ourselves don’t know much about it.”
The dad told how his suspected killer son had held down a job working with children.
He added: “He was actually helping kids with disabilities and mental issues.
“We feel horrible. We feel like we lost a son, too.
“We don’t know where they met. We don’t know anything. We don’t know anything about her.
June’s home in LA
The front of June’s Hollywood apartment building
June was from the Isle of ArranAlamy
“When the cops came they didn’t give us much information.”
June, from the Isle of Arran, is thought to have met Renteria online after moving to the US to pursue her dream job in the legal business. According to court documents, she was last seen alive on September 4.
Renteria was seen the following day leaving with the baby in the middle of the night and then hours later holding garbage bags.
Prosecutors said he dropped off the child at his parents’ home.
A butterfly painting was yesterday seen at the home near movie studios as a cameraman stood outside — as cops continued their probe in a bid to get answers for June’s devastated family.
She had lived close to landmarks like the Walk of Fame, the Griffith Observatory and the iconic Hollywood Sign.
Cops were said to have turned her apartment upside down looking for evidence. Detectives last night told how they launched a probe after officers found Renteria with a forearm wound in Ventura County, north-west of Hollywood.
Norma Eisenman, of Los Angeles Police Department, said: “On September 11, officers from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department came in contact with Jonathan Renteria.
“Officers received information of a possible homicide that occurred in Hollywood.
“The Los Angeles Police Department was contacted.
“Officers from LAPD Hollywood Area responded to the 5300 block of Franklin Avenue for the purposes of a welfare check.
“Officers located a female adult that had been murdered in her apartment. Detectives from LAPD West Bureau Homicide assumed investigative responsibility. Jonathan Renteria was arrested and booked for the murder.
“Murder charges have been filed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
“The incident appears to be domestic violence related and there are no suspects outstanding.”
Renteria was pictured in an orange jumpsuit at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility, where he remained in custody.
It is understood he has pleaded not guilty despite the alleged confession and is due in court for a preliminary hearing in November.
We told how June’s loved ones have launched a crowdfunder to bring her body home.
Last night the GoFundMe appeal set up by pal Vicky Tulika to help with repatriation and funeral costs stood at more than £11,000.
June, who had graduated from Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen in 2022, was known for her “vibrant personality, infectious laugh and deeply compassionate heart”.
Loved ones including mum Jill, 61, and brother Lyle, 28, previously said: “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 US. Our lives are forever changed. She was only 37.
“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.
“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.”
Her family added: “We are asking for your help to cover the costs of repatriation to the UK, funeral and burial expense and any legal or travel costs associated.
“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.”
It is understood Ms Bunyan was also a fan of mixed martial arts.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is supporting her family and said it is in contact with local authorities in the US.
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