Scottish Mother Criticizes US Authorities Over Handling of Daughter's Murder Case
Jill Bunyan expresses heartbreak over lack of communication regarding her daughter June and seeks help to find her granddaughter.
The mother of a Scottish woman murdered in the United States has voiced deep frustration with what she describes as a "heartbreaking" lack of communication from American authorities. Jill Bunyan is seeking assistance to locate her granddaughter, who was born shortly before her daughter, June Bunyan, was killed.
June Bunyan, 37, was found dismembered in her Los Angeles apartment in September 2025. She had moved to California in 2023 to establish a paralegal firm after earning a law degree from Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. Her husband, Jonathan Renteria, has been charged with murder, mutilation, and child cruelty. He has pleaded not guilty.
Jill Bunyan stated that her family on the Isle of Arran was informed of a court hearing on September 4, the first anniversary of June's disappearance, two weeks after it occurred. The case has since been continued until October.
Bunyan told BBC Scotland that the stress of losing her daughter, compounded by what she perceives as a "lack of respect" and "lack of communication" from the relevant authorities, has severely impacted her health. "It almost feels like nobody cares. Nobody actually cares, and that is heartbreaking, and that is as bad as losing June because it just plays mind games with you. It is horrendous," she said.
June Bunyan gave birth to her daughter, Regina, less than two months before her death. Jill Bunyan believes the infant may be in the care of Renteria's parents and wishes for confirmation that Regina is safe. A crowdfunding campaign has been initiated to fund a lawyer who can help trace Regina and facilitate her return to Scotland. The campaign has raised approximately £3,000 to date.
The BBC reported that attempts to contact Renteria's parents to verify the child's location were unsuccessful. Jill Bunyan acknowledged the support from her local Member of Parliament, Irene Campbell, and the charity Victim Support Scotland. However, she expressed disappointment with the support received from the UK's Foreign Office and plans to meet with the Foreign Secretary to discuss the difficulties faced by Britons who lose loved ones abroad.
"It's difficult enough without having to fight everybody to get answers to simple questions, but I can’t get answers," Bunyan stated. Reports indicate that the Los Angeles District Attorney's office has offered an apology to Bunyan for the communication lapse regarding the court proceedings against Renteria.
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office confirmed that they are providing support to the family of a British woman who died in the U.S. and are in contact with local authorities.