By Bradley Jolly
Copyright mirror
A British lawyer has been found “brutally murdered” at her home in the US after moving there to chase her dream.
June Bunyan, 37, left the UK to pursue her aspiration to become a defence attorney in Los Angeles, California, but her body was discovered there on Thursday September 11. June, who managed to become a lawyer in the US, suffered “traumatic neck injuries,” authorities said.
A 25-year-old man, named Jonathan Renteria, has been arrested in connection with her death and is being held at a jail in Los Angeles on a $4million (£2.96million) bail, according to local media.
June’s family, who described the woman as having “a vibrant personality, infectious laugh, and deeply compassionate heart”, have set up a GoFundMe page to be able to transport her body back to the UK and lay her body to rest “with dignity”.
The GoFundMe page, created by a family friend, reads: “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.”
Details about the circumstances around June’s death are scant following Renteria’s arrest. However, it is understood June, from the Isle of Arran, Scotland, had long desired to work in the US as a defence lawyer.
The young suspect, from Los Angeles, was arrested in the hours after the killing, it is reported. He has been charged with a breach of the California Health and Safety Code, which refers to all of or either mutilation, disinterment or sexual contact with human remains.
The fundraiser continues: “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.”
To donate to the appeal, visit this link.
