Island funeral held for law graduate 'murdered' in LA

June Bunyan died on 11 September in Los Angeles

A Scottish woman who was allegedly murdered by her husband in Los Angeles has been remembered as "one of a kind" at her funeral.

Mourners were told June Bunyan overcame brain surgery in 2021 but was killed while pursuing her dream of becoming a defence lawyer.

Ms Bunyan, 37, was laid to rest on the Isle of Arran following a service at Brodick Parish Church.

She had moved to California several years ago and died on 11 September.

Authorities in the US have charged Jonathan Renteria, 25, with her murder and the mutilation of human remains.

Ms Bunyan's body was repatriated to Scotland last week following a fundraising campaign by family and friends.

The Robert Gordon University graduate had grown up on the North Ayrshire island and her funeral was conducted by Rev Knowledge Zinduru.

He told the congregation: "From the very start, she was a bright spark - curious, sharp and full of life.

"From playgroup through primary school, she was a constant and keen learner.

"June loved to tell a story - often one that got her into a bit of trouble."

The minister said Ms Bunyan was fond of reciting the poetry of Robert Burns and tried to find humour in every situation.

Ms Bunyan graduated from Robert Gordon University in 2022

Rev Zinduru told mourners Ms Bunyan's love of learning took her from Arran to Glasgow, where she completed a creative writing and English degree.

After securing a business degree in Inverness she then obtained a law degree, with distinction, from Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.

Dr Zinduru said that was her "proudest academic moment" and came a year after she was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

The minister added: "Something which she kept relatively private, not wanting any fuss, yet she approached surgery and recovery with her signature mix of fearless determination and humour - even arriving late for her operation, much to everyone's disbelief.

"That was June through and through, brave, unflappable and impossible not to admire."

Ms Bunyan worked at the homelessness charity Shelter during this period of her life, before she moved to Los Angeles.

Dr Zinduru said she had "an incredible ability to connect with people" as illustrated by floral tributes left in her memory in LA and "wonderfully chaotic photos" shared by her friends.

He added: "It's truly heart-warming to hear how deeply she touched so many lives."

June was 'beautifully mischievous'

Mourners were told Ms Bunyan would never be forgotten.

Dr Zinduru concluded: "June was one of a kind - clever, brave, determined, and beautifully mischievous, filling every room with laughter and every mind with stories.

"Though she's no longer with us, her spirit will always live on - in every story told, every book unopened, and every laugh that escapes when we remember her."

A dedicated Go Fund Me appeal raised more than £20,000 before it was closed on Thursday.

A statement on the page by her life long friend, Vicky Tulika, thanked everyone who contributed.

She wrote: "Your kindness and generosity made it possible for us to bring June home and lay her to rest.

"There will never be enough words to express our gratitude."

RGU: 'She made her mark'

David Christie, associate dean of the RGU's School of Law and Social Sciences, said the university community was "devastated" by the news of Ms Bunyan's death.

He said she was an online student but described her as much more than a remote learner.

"Colleagues recall a 'lovely person' who 'wasn't shy in having a conversation' and was a lively participant in tutorials and on email," he said.

He recalled Ms Bunyan also used her "impressive advocacy skills" to help RGU win the Granite City Moot debating competition against the University of Aberdeen in her first year.

"Beyond that she helped the student body in other ways by organising events with students and outside speakers," he said.

Suspect's psychosis claims

BBC Scotland News previously reported that Ms Bunyan applied for a restraining order against Mr Renteria in December 2023, citing domestic violence.

The claim was dropped as she did not appear in court until the following month.

The BBC understands the couple reconciled and married later that year and are understood to have had a young child together. Ms Bunyan is believed to have moved to America in 2023.

The following year she established Renteria Paralegal Services, a business specialising in immigration law.

Mr Renteria has been charged with two offences - murder and mutilation, disinterment and sexual contact with human remains.

He has pled not guilty to both charges, with bail set at $4m (£2.97m).

Earlier this month his lawyer claimed his client may have been experiencing a state of psychosis at the time.

A preliminary hearing for Mr Renteria will be held on 18 November.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) previously said it was supporting Ms Bunyan's family and that it was in contact with local authorities in America.