Teenager Arrested in Paddleboarder Murder Case

A 17-year-old has been arrested in connection with the murder of 48-year-old Sunshine “Sunny” Stewart, who was found dead earlier this month after going on a solo paddleboarding trip in Crawford Pond, Union, Maine. The unfortunate discovery of her body has sparked fear in the local community, which had been shaken by what some have called a “terrifying” crime.

According to the Maine Attorney General’s office, Stewart’s cause of death was determined to be strangulation and blunt force trauma. Her disappearance raised alarms when she did not return from her trip on July 3, 2025. Almost two weeks later, authorities made the arrest.

Reports indicate that Stewart and the suspect were both staying at the same campground, Mike Mac Campground, when the incident occurred. The campground owner, Katherine Lunt, expressed disbelief, stating, “It’s not where these things happen,” emphasizing that the location was supposed to be safe.

Authorities reviewed surveillance footage as they worked to identify the suspect. Lunt shared that at first, she was searching for an adult stranger, never imagining a teenager could be involved. The suspect, who was visiting the campsite with his parents, had even volunteered to help search for Stewart.

He had behaved normally during the time of the investigation, offering assistance to other campers and engaging in activities like fishing. However, as Lunt recounted, despite his seemingly normal behavior, there was an unsettling realization later on—I mean, it’s just hard to comprehend how someone could act normally in such tragic circumstances.

Interestingly, police later reviewed surveillance that showed the teenager had returned to land before sunset on the night of Stewart’s death. “You just don’t think this could happen in your community,” Lunt said, reflecting the shock felt by locals.

Now, the teenager is being held at a youth detention facility while the state attorney general’s office requests he be tried as an adult. If convicted, he could face up to 25 years in prison.

As the investigation continues, loved ones remember Stewart as a passionate individual. “She really was a great friend,” shared Bethany Leach Palmley, a longtime friend. “She brought joy and laughter wherever she went.” The search for answers into the motives behind her tragic death carries on, leaving many in the community yearning for closure.