Scottish Mother's Anguish Over Daughter's Death in LA and Granddaughter's Whereabouts

The mother of a Scottish law graduate murdered in Los Angeles has spoken of her profound distress over the lack of information from U.S. authorities since her daughter's death and the ongoing legal process. June Bunyan's dismembered body was discovered in her Los Angeles apartment in September of last year. Her husband, Jonathan Renteria, has been charged with murder, mutilation, and child cruelty, to which he has pleaded not guilty.

June's mother, Jill Bunyan, stated that she feels trapped in legal limbo and remains uncertain about who is caring for her baby granddaughter, Regina. Jill was previously informed that the court proceedings could take up to two years.

The most recent court hearing, held on September 4, coincided with the first anniversary of June's disappearance. However, Jill and her family, from Arran, reported not receiving any official notification about this hearing until nearly two weeks later. The case has been adjourned until October.

"My health has had an absolute battering, and it's not just with losing June. It's the lack of respect, the lack of communication," Jill Bunyan said. "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."

Less than two months before her death, June had given birth to her daughter, Regina. Jill believes her granddaughter may be in the care of Jonathan Renteria's parents, but she has no confirmation. Attempts by BBC Scotland News to contact Renteria's parents have been unsuccessful in verifying Regina's location.

Jill expressed her plea to Renteria's parents: "That is my daughter's daughter who I'd seen everyday [over the internet]…pick up the phone, send a picture, just let me know she's all right." She is currently fundraising to hire a lawyer to help locate Regina.

Jill Bunyan described her grief as controlling, stating, "Grief controls you, you don't have any control over grief. It points you in a direction and you just have to go with it." She characterized herself as heartbroken, a sentiment she expects to endure permanently. "I miss June terribly."

She acknowledged support from her local Member of Parliament, Irene Campbell, and the charity Victim Support Scotland. However, Jill Bunyan has been critical of the support received from the UK Foreign Office and hopes to meet with the foreign secretary to address the difficulties families face when a loved one dies abroad.

"It doesn't have to be this difficult," she said. "It's difficult enough without having to fight everybody to get answers to simple questions, but I can't get answers."

Shortly after Jill recorded her interview with BBC Scotland News, she received an apology from the prosecution service in Los Angeles for the lack of communication regarding the court case against Renteria. The District Attorney's office has not responded to requests for comment from BBC Scotland News.

The UK Foreign Office stated that it is providing support to the family of a British woman who died in the U.S. and is liaising with local authorities.