Teen Arrested After Woman Found Dead in Union Pond \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ A 17-year-old has been charged with murdering Sunshine Stewart, whose body was found in a Maine pond. The small coastal community is reeling as police seek more information on her final paddleboarding trip. Authorities say the case remains under active investigation, with few details released publicly so far.
Quick Looks
- 17-year-old Deven Young charged with murder in Union, Maine.
- Victim identified as Sunshine Stewart, 48, from St. George.
- Her body was recovered from Crawford Pond on July 2.
- Medical examiner confirmed strangulation and blunt force trauma.
- Teen suspect entered denial in court; motive still unknown.
- Police say the investigation remains active and ongoing.
- Stewart remembered as independent, adventurous, and deeply loved.
- Pond is a remote, scenic summer destination without public access.
- Authorities are seeking witnesses who saw Stewart paddleboarding.
- GoFundMe launched in Stewart’s memory; memorial service pending.
Deep Look
Authorities in Maine have charged a 17-year-old with murder following the death of a woman whose body was found in a rural pond popular for summertime recreation. The victim, 48-year-old Sunshine “Sunny” Stewart of St. George, had gone missing while paddleboarding on Crawford Pond in Union. Her tragic death and the arrest of a local teenager have shocked the quiet coastal region.
According to Maine State Police, Deven Young of Frankfort was taken into custody Wednesday night and formally charged with one count of murder. The arrest came after days of silence from investigators, who initially withheld details about the suspect and the circumstances surrounding Stewart’s death. On Friday, the state attorney general’s office confirmed the charge, and Young made his first court appearance, where he entered a denial to the murder charge — the juvenile court equivalent of a not guilty plea. His attorney, Jeremy Pratt, declined to speak to reporters.
Court documents describe the case in sparse language, stating only that Young “did intentionally or knowingly cause the death of another human being, namely Sunshine Stewart.” A medical examiner determined that Stewart died from strangulation and blunt force trauma. Investigators have not disclosed a possible motive, and no further information about the relationship, if any, between Young and Stewart has been released.
Stewart was reported missing earlier this month while paddleboarding on Crawford Pond, a 600-acre water body in Union, roughly 80 miles north of Portland and just 15 miles from Maine’s scenic midcoast. The pond, which lacks public access, is used for boating and fishing and features a forested preserve known as 100 Acre Island. With many secluded areas and narrow inlets, police believe other visitors could have been nearby during the time of the crime — unaware of any danger. Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen Stewart on the water on July 2 to come forward.
The suspect is currently being held at Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 22. Given Young’s status as a juvenile, some court proceedings may remain confidential.
The killing has deeply unsettled the residents of St. George and Union, where trips to Crawford Pond are considered a summer tradition. The idea that a brutal homicide could occur in such a peaceful setting has left many community members feeling shaken and fearful.
Stewart was known for her strong-willed, adventurous spirit and deep sense of independence. Friends and loved ones have described her as someone always eager to take on a challenge — whether in outdoor activities, home renovation, or professional work. Over the years, she held many jobs, including as a bartender and commercial fisherman.
“She was such a sweet person and very strong and independent, and took care of a lot of people,” said Bruce Twyon, a friend who met Stewart while she was living in the Virgin Islands. He remembered her as a self-starter who loved life and lived it fully. Stewart had also renovated her home in the Tenants Harbor neighborhood of St. George — a testament to her determination and resilience.
Online memorials and tributes have poured in since news of her death broke. A GoFundMe page has been launched to help cover memorial expenses and celebrate Stewart’s life. Her friends noted that she would have turned 49 next month. The campaign page indicates that plans for a memorial service are underway.
As the investigation continues, the community remains in mourning and in search of answers. Law enforcement officials have asked the public for patience and assistance as they work to determine the full circumstances of Stewart’s death.
Teen Arrested After Teen Arrested After
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