Man accused of killing 'beloved' British lawyer in her home handed $4m bail

A British solicitor has been found "brutally" murdered at her home in the US after relocating there to pursue her dream.

June Bunyan, 37, departed the UK to follow her ambition of becoming a defence barrister in Los Angeles, California, but her body was discovered there on Thursday, September 11.

June, who successfully qualified as a solicitor in the US, sustained "traumatic neck injuries," police confirmed. A 25 year old man, identified as Jonathan Renteria, has been detained in connection with her death and is being held at a jail in Los Angeles on a $4million (£2.96million) bail, according to local media.

June's family, who described the woman as having "a vibrant personality, infectious laugh, and deeply compassionate heart", have established a GoFundMe page to enable them to transport her body back to the UK and lay her body to rest "with dignity".

The GoFundMe page, established by a family friend, reads: "With unimaginable heartbreak, we share the devastating news that our beloved daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend, June Bunyan, was tragically taken from us due to a violent crime in the United States. Our lives are forever changed. She was only 37.

"June was known for her vibrant personality, infectious laugh, and deeply compassionate heart. 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. 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."

Information regarding the circumstances surrounding June's death remains limited following Renteria's arrest.

Nevertheless, it is understood that June, originally from the Isle of Arran in Scotland, had harboured long-standing ambitions to practise law in the United States as a defence barrister.

The young suspect, from Los Angeles, was detained within hours of the killing, reports the Mirror.

He faces charges under California's Health and Safety Code, which includes mutilation, disinterment or sexual contact with human remains.

The fundraising appeal states: "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.

"We never imagined we would be in this position, and asking for help is not easy. But any contribution, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference, and help ease this burden during a time of profound grief."