Brit lawyer murdered by US husband for 'failing to lose weight' after baby birth

A British lawyer was reportedly killedby her husband because she “failed to lose weight” just weeks after having a baby.

June Bunyan, 37, was found dead in Los Angeles earlier this month after she moved to the United States to become a defence attorney. She had been married to her husband Jonathan Renteria, 25, for a year and the couple had a month-old baby together.

Renteria is now in custody as the prime suspect in her murder, with bail set at $4million, court records state. The documents allege Renteria was found in a Ventura County hotel room bleeding, with a wound to his forearm, and with a note admitting to killing his wife.

The pair had an argument over June "failing to lose weight following her pregnancy," prosecutors claimed, and June began packing her belongings.

READ MORE: Dad diagnosed with 'aggressive' brain tumour after thinking he had hay fever

READ MORE: Dad watches in horror as a vile racial attack on wife unfolds over FaceTime

In an interview with authorities which was recorded, Renteria reportedly "admits to putting the victim in a rear-naked chokehold" and killing her. The last time June was seen alive was September 4, the court papers show. Meanwhile Renteria was seen the following day, leaving with the baby in the middle of the night, and then hours later holding bin bags.

The prosecution say he dropped off the child at his parents' home and accuse him of dismembering his wife's body, TheDaily Record reports.

Arielle Miller, a neighbour of the couple in Los Angeles, told US-based Eyewitness Newsthat June, from Arran in Scotland had confided in her and described the relationship with Renteria as abusive. Miller also said that the Robert Gordon University graduate was the most popular person in their apartment block.

She said: "He didn't want her to talk to certain people. He was verbally abusive. Something in particular he would always comment on was her body and her weight."

"The way that she died, the suffering she must've experienced, the fear, the violence, the pain - all of that - it's the stuff that keeps me up at night."

A fundraiser has since been set up to bring June's body home to Scotland.

A statement on the GoFundMe 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."

It says she was the victim of "a violent crime in the United States" and adds: "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."

The appeal adds: "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. 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.

"If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this page and keeping our family in your thoughts.From the bottom of hearts, thank you for your love, support and compassion.

"With love, Jill and Lyle Bunyan June was my best friend and I have set this up on behalf of her mum and brother. All funds will go directly to them."

Hollywood LA News reports that her death took place on Thursday, September 11, and that it was confirmed by "Los Angeles County". The publication states she was "a 37-year-old White/Caucasian female" and that her death "occurred at her residence".

The article adds she was identified by the coroner’s office, that she died by homicide and that her cause of death was "traumatic neck injuries".