In a shocking development in Union, Maine, a 17-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of Sunshine Sunny Stewart, a 48-year-old paddleboarder from Tenants Harbor. The boy, identified as Deven Young, was arrested on Wednesday and is currently being held at the Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland. This incident has sent ripples of concern through the tight-knit community, as details continue to emerge.
According to court documents, the police discovered Stewart's body under "unusual circumstances" on an island in Crawford Pond around 1 a.m. on July 3. She had been reported missing after embarking on a solo paddleboarding trip the previous day. The Maine State Police later ruled her death a homicide, with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirming that her cause of death involved strangulation and blunt force trauma.
The community's response to this tragedy has been one of shock and fear. Meredith Smith, owner of Mic Mac Campground where Stewart was staying, described her as a wonderful person who was looking forward to an enjoyable summer of paddleboarding. "To know Sunny, I don’t think she had a bad bone in her body," Smith stated. "Nobody would want to hurt Sunny, so it’s kind of scary for all of us who live local."
Residents expressed their worries about safety in the area, with Debbie Wadsworth noting, "We’ve been worried. We don’t want [my granddaughter] to walk home. Just not sure who it was. So, I’m very happy they found him." Susan Creighton echoed these sentiments, stating, "It’s frightening. Just frightening, and I’m delighted that there’s been an arrest." Rumors had even circulated about a potential serial killer in New England, further heightening the community's anxiety.
While the police have apprehended a suspect, the motive behind Stewart's murder has yet to be revealed. Union Assessor’s Agent James Murphy Jr. commented on the situation, saying, "A lot of good people in town were upset about what happened, and I’m sure that they’re very relieved that an arrest has been made." The community remains vigilant as the investigation unfolds, with Maine State Police urging anyone with information to come forward. They can be contacted at (207) 624-7076 or by texting MESPTIP to 847411.
This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of safety in even the most peaceful of places. As the investigation continues, the community of Union, Maine, rallies together to support one another in the wake of this devastating loss.
