UNION, Maine — A 17-year-old boy has been charged with murder in the shocking death of Sunshine Stewart, a 48-year-old woman whose body was discovered earlier this month in a popular pond in rural Maine.
The incident has rattled the quiet community of Union, a small town in Knox County where summers are marked by peaceful days on the water and outdoor adventures. Stewart, a resident of St. George and an experienced paddleboarder, was last seen on July 2 paddleboarding on Crawford Pond, a 600-acre body of water surrounded by forest and frequented by campers and locals alike.
Discovery and Arrest
Stewart’s body was found after a search effort on Crawford Pond. A subsequent investigation led Maine State Police to arrest a 17-year-old boy, identified in court records as Deven Young of Frankfort, Maine. Young was taken into custody in Union on Wednesday night and appeared in court Friday, where he entered a denial to the murder charge—a standard plea in juvenile court proceedings.
He is currently being held at Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland and is scheduled to return to court on August 22.
Authorities have released minimal details about the case, citing the ongoing and active nature of the investigation. However, a medical examiner determined that Stewart died from strangulation and blunt force trauma, confirming what police have officially classified as a homicide.
No Motive Released
So far, police have not commented on any possible motive, nor have they disclosed the nature of any relationship between Stewart and Young. The arrest affidavit simply states that the defendant “did intentionally or knowingly cause the death of another human being, namely Sunshine Stewart.”
Officials continue to urge the public to come forward with any information related to Stewart’s activity on the pond on July 2, the last day she was seen alive.
Remembering Sunshine “Sunny” Stewart
Friends and family have taken to social media to express grief and share memories of Stewart, who was affectionately known as “Sunny.” She was remembered as independent, adventurous, and kind—a person who pursued life with courage and generosity.
Stewart, who lived in the Tenants Harbor neighborhood of St. George, had a diverse and hands-on career, working as a fisherman, boat captain, carpenter, and bartender over the years. Friends say her love for the outdoors, especially paddleboarding, was a big part of her identity. She even taught paddleboarding lessons at one point, according to long-time friend Bethany Leach Parmley.
“She was just a wonderful friend, a really loyal, wonderful friend,” Parmley told reporters. “She was just so fun and funny and you couldn’t help but have a good time around her.”
Another friend, Bruce Twyon, who met Stewart during her time living in the Virgin Islands, described her as “strong, independent, and deeply caring.” He added that her spirit of adventure and self-sufficiency was reflected in her efforts to renovate her own home in St. George.
A Community Shaken
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the small communities surrounding Crawford Pond and Union, where outdoor activities are a summer staple and violent crime is rare.
Crawford Pond, which does not have public access points, is a favorite among locals for fishing, boating, and paddleboarding. A wooded preserve, 100 Acre Island, sits at the center of the pond and is accessible only by water. The geography of the area—with its coves and inlets—makes it plausible that other boaters may have been on the pond the day of the killing without realizing what had happened.
Authorities have indicated the investigation is ongoing and are continuing to gather information and witness accounts. Despite the arrest, many details surrounding the case remain under wraps as law enforcement officials proceed cautiously with the sensitive juvenile matter.
Support for the Family
Stewart would have turned 49 next month. Loved ones have launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with memorial costs and to celebrate her life. The date for a memorial service has not yet been announced.
As the community mourns the loss of a beloved local figure, residents are also grappling with the unsettling nature of the crime — a brutal killing in a place many associate with peace, recreation, and family memories.
