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A British woman has died in the US after suffering ‘traumatic neck injuries’ during a ‘violent murder’ at her home.
June Bunyan, 37, a law graduate, was reportedly killed at her place of residence in California on September 11 after moving there to fulfil her dream of becoming a defence attorney.
A 25-year-old man, named Jonathan Renteria, has been arrested in connection with her death and is being held at Twin Towers Correctional Facility on $4million (£2.96million) bail, local media reported.
The charges against him are said to include murder, as well as a breach of the California Health and Safety Code, being Mutilation, Disinterment or Sexual Contact with Human Remains.
The UK Foreign Office has confirmed they are supporting the family of a British woman who died in the US, and are in contact with local authorities.
Ms Bunyan’s heartbroken friends and family have been forced to set up a GoFundMe to raise the funds to transport her body back to the UK and lay her body to rest ‘with dignity’.
The 37-year-old’s pal Vicky Tulika set up the fundraiser on behalf of Ms Bunyan’s parents, Jill and Lyle Bunyan, who said she lost her life in a ‘violent crime’ in the US, having worked ‘tirelessly to build herself a better life’.
Paying tribute to the young woman, from Arran in Scotland, her parents wrote: ‘June was known for her vibrant personality, infectious laugh, and deeply compassionate heart.
June Bunyan, 37, (right) a British law graduate, has died in the US after suffering ‘traumatic neck injuries’ during a ‘violent’ murder at her home
A photo of Ms Bunyan when she was younger, which was shared on the GoFundMe page raising funds to transport her body back to the UK
‘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.’
They added: ‘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.’
A spokesperson for LA police told The Scottish Sun that detectives arrested the suspect in the hours after the killing.
The Daily Mail has contacted Los Angeles County for more information.
