Tragic Turn in Maine Paddleboarder Murder: Teen Arrested in Death of Sunshine Stewart

Shocking Murder Rocks Quiet Maine Community

The peaceful summer at Crawford Pond, Maine, was shattered when 48-year-old Sunshine “Sunny” Stewart went paddleboarding and never returned. Her body was later discovered, having been strangled and bludgeoned to death.

The Investigation and Arrest

Maine State Police have arrested a 17-year-old male in connection with Stewart’s death, which was ruled a homicide. The victim’s body was found on an island in Crawford Pond.

In a disturbing twist, the teenage suspect, who was visiting the campground with his parents, had been eager to aid in the search for Stewart’s killer. He even volunteered information to investigators, leading them “in the opposite direction of where Sunny was found” in what authorities described as a “wild goose chase.” Throughout the two-week investigation, witnesses reported the teen was “acting totally normal” as if “nothing ever happened.”

Community Impact and Serial Killer Speculation

The case gained significant attention when social media users began speculating that Stewart’s death was the work of a New England serial killer, though police and experts noted such speculation was harmful to the official investigation.

Legal Proceedings

The Maine Attorney General’s Office has filed a motion to try the suspect, identified as Deven Young, as an adult for the murder of Sunshine Stewart. Young appeared virtually for his arraignment at the Knox County Courthouse in Rockland, while being held at the Long Creek Youth Development Center. Court documents indicate he is charged with either intentionally or knowingly causing Stewart’s death or engaging in conduct showing depraved indifference to human life.

Remembering Sunshine Stewart

Stewart is remembered as an active woman and boat captain who had previously sailed to the Caribbean. She was known for her love of outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, paddleboarding and yoga.