Scottish Woman Murdered in Los Angeles, Husband Charged

Husband charged with murder and mutilation in Hollywood case

A 37-year-old Scottish woman, June Bunyan, was murdered and dismembered in her apartment in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States, earlier this month. Authorities have charged her husband, 25-year-old Jonathan Renteria, with murder and mutilation of human remains.

Court documents identify the victim as June Renteria and confirm that she and Renteria had been married for one year. The couple shared a 1-month-old baby.

Suspect’s Admission and Evidence

According to prosecutors, Renteria was found in a hotel room in Ventura County, California, United States, with a forearm wound and a note admitting to killing his wife. In a recorded interview, he stated that an argument escalated when he criticized Bunyan’s weight following pregnancy. He said she threatened to leave with their daughter and prevent him from seeing her.

Prosecutors allege that Renteria placed Bunyan in a chokehold, killing her. He was later seen leaving their apartment in the middle of the night with the baby, and hours later carrying garbage bags. He dropped off the child at his parents’ home. Authorities accuse him of dismembering Bunyan’s body.

Court Proceedings

Renteria has been formally charged with murder and mutilation. The court granted prosecutors’ request to set his bail at $4 million. He has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to return for a preliminary hearing in November.

Victim’s Life and Repatriation Efforts

Bunyan, originally from Scotland, moved to the United States to pursue her dream of becoming a defense attorney. A GoFundMe page set up by her loved ones states they are raising funds to repatriate her remains so she can be laid to rest in Scotland surrounded by family and friends.

Neighbors described her as a compassionate person who had confided about being in an abusive relationship. Friends and colleagues remembered her as dedicated to law and committed to helping vulnerable clients.

The case has brought renewed attention to domestic violence crimes, which data show are increasing across the country.