Maine Teen Charged with Murder of Paddleboarder Found in Pond

Maine authorities announced Friday that they have charged a 17-year-old in connection with the death of a paddleboarder who went missing in a rural pond, a well-liked summer spot.

The remains of 48-year-old Sunshine Stewart from St. George were discovered earlier this month at Crawford Pond in Union, located about 80 miles north of Portland and roughly 15 miles from the state’s picturesque coastline. The community has been shaken by the incident, as this area is frequently visited by locals and tourists alike in the summer.

According to Maine Police, they took the teen into custody on Wednesday night during the murder investigation, but he initially provided limited information about himself. On Friday, the state attorney general’s office announced that he faces one count of murder.

Court documents revealed that the teen, identified as Deven Young from Frankfort, Maine, made a brief appearance in court on Friday but did not respond to the charges. His lawyer, Jeremy Pratt, opted not to comment through email.

Prosecutors have stated that Stewart died from strangulation and blunt force trauma, as reported by police.

Details surrounding the motive remain undisclosed. Court records mentioned that Young was charged with causing another’s death, specifically referencing Sunshine Stewart.

In an announcement, police stated that they had no further information to share and described the case as an “ongoing aggressive investigation.” They are asking for anyone who might have seen Stewart paddleboarding at Crawford Pond on July 2nd to come forward.

Stewart lived approximately 21 miles from the pond in St. George’s Tennant Harbour district. A woman who claimed to be her sister declined to elaborate when reached by phone on Thursday.

Friends of Stewart have taken to social media to remember her as a fiercely independent person who embraced challenges, including outdoor activities and architectural projects. Throughout her life, she held various jobs, such as fisherman, boat captain, carpenter, and bartender.

Bethany Leach Palmley, a lifelong friend, described Stewart as “dauntless,” highlighting her role as a unifying force in their group of friends, even if their paths diverged. Palmley noted that Stewart had been a paddleboarder for years and had taught lessons in the activity.

“She was just a great friend, and she was truly loyal and wonderful,” Palmley added. “She was so much fun and funny; you couldn’t help but have a good time around her.”

Bruce Twion, another friend who had known Stewart since her time in the Virgin Islands, mentioned her home renovation in St. George as a testament to her spontaneous spirit and zest for life. “She was a very sweet person, very strong and independent, taking care of many people,” Twion remarked.

The pond in Union spans roughly 600 acres and is not accessible to the public, though it permits activities like boating and fishing. A wooded island reserve in the pond can be reached by canoe, kayak, or paddleboard from nearby campsites.

As the investigation continues, police have indicated that other boats may have been present on the water at the time of the incident. Young has been sent to the Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland, with a next court appearance scheduled for August 22. His hometown of Frankfort is about 41 miles away from Union.

In memory of their friend, Stewart’s loved ones have begun a GoFundMe page to celebrate her life.