A Scottish woman who moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career as an attorney was found dead in her apartment, and her husband has now been charged with her murder.
According to the BBC, KTLA and CBS News, 25-year-old Jonathan Renteria faces charges in the death of 37-year-old June Bunyan. Los Angeles County jail records indicate that Renteria is being held on $4 million bail.
Authorities initially responded to an incident in Ventura County, where Renteria reportedly attempted suicide at a hotel, KTLA and CBS News reported. Ventura County officials said they discovered a note in which Renteria admitted to killing his wife. The Los Angeles Police Department was subsequently notified.
On September 11, the LAPD conducted a welfare check at the couple’s residence and discovered Bunyan’s body, which was dismembered and decomposed, according to CBS. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that her cause of death was traumatic neck injuries.
Court records reviewed by PEOPLE show that Renteria has also been charged with mutilation and sexual contact with remains. He has pleaded not guilty.
Bunyan had recently given birth to a baby girl, KTLA, CBS News and ABC 7 reported.
A GoFundMe started by Bunyan’s family noted that she had relocated from Scotland to the United States to “pursue her dream of becoming a defence attorney.”
“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,” her parents wrote. “She can then be laid to rest with the dignity and love she deserves, surrounded by family and friends.”
Before her death, Bunyan had launched a paralegal service business specializing in immigration law, called Renteria Paralegal Services.
