'Psychosis' claim for man accused of murdering Scot in LA

June Bunyan died on 11 September in Los Angeles

A man accused of murdering his Scottish wife in Los Angeles may have been experiencing a state of psychosis at the time, his lawyer has claimed.

The body of June Bunyan, 37, who was originally from Arran, was found on 11 September, having suffered traumatic neck injuries.

Authorities in LA have charged 25-year-old Jonathan Renteria with her murder and the mutilation of human remains.

A statement from his lawyer, Shaheen F. Manshoory, also claims his client was "deeply distressed by the victim's threats to take his only child away from him".

Last week, BBC Scotland reported that Ms Bunyan applied for a restraining order against Jonathan 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.

Claims of psychosis and distress

Mr Manshoory's statement said: "My client may have been experiencing a state of psychosis at the time of this tragic incident, and was deeply distressed by the victim's threats to take his only child away from him, possibly to another county, which would have meant he could no longer be a part of her life.

"We grieve deeply for the victim and recognize that this is an extraordinarily difficult time for all involved.

"Ultimately, the legal process will run its course in court, and in time we hope to arrive at a just and fair resolution," he said.

Ms Bunyan studied law at Robert Gordon University and 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).

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.