A Scottish lawyer who moved to the US to pursue her dream of becoming a defence attorney has been murdered in Los Angeles, investigators say.
Family and friends have launched a crowdfunder to repatriate the body of June Bunyan, 37, after she was killed at her residence on 11 September.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner reported Ms Bunyan suffered “traumatic neck injuries”.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has arrested a man on charges of murder, mutilation and sexual contact with human remains.
Suspect Jonathan Renteria, 25, is being held at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is supporting Ms Bunyan’s family and said it is in contact with local authorities in the US.
Ms Bunyan’s friend Vicky Tulika set up a GoFundMe page to help her family with repatriation and funeral costs, which has so far raised more than £5,000.
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She wrote: “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.”
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The Robert Gordon University graduate was “known for her vibrant personality, infectious laugh, and deeply compassionate heart”, she wrote.
Ms Tulika said her friend, who grew up on the island of Arran, was pursuing her “dream” of becoming a defence attorney before her life was “cut short so far from home”.
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She added: “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.”
A FCDO spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in USA and are in contact with the local authorities.”
