Arrest made in the murder of a Maine paddleboarder as concerns grow over deaths in New England

Teen Arrested in Paddleboarder Death Linked to Serial Killer Fear

A 17-year-old has been arrested in connection with the death of 48-year-old Sunshine “Sunny” Stewart, a paddleboarder who was found deceased near Crawford Pond in Union, Maine. This incident, which occurred almost two weeks after Stewart went missing, has raised concerns about a potential serial killer in the New England area.

Stewart was last seen on July 2nd during a solo paddleboarding outing. The following morning, her body was discovered on an island accessible only by boat, prompting investigators to label her death as suspicious.

The Maine State Police (MSP) reported that an autopsy identified strangulation and blunt force trauma as the causes of death. The minor suspect is currently in custody and has been placed at the Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland, pending further investigation. This shocking event has unsettled the typically quiet vacation spot, leaving residents on edge.

“In a place where most people don’t even lock their doors, it feels unsettling,” remarked local resident Gus Williams, expressing the prevailing anxiety in the community.

The situation is further complicated by a broader series of mysterious deaths in New England, with 13 bodies found in secluded or wooded locations since March 2025. As fear mounts, authorities are urging locals to stay alert and report any suspicious behavior.