A 17-year-old Maine resident faces murder charges in connection with the killing of a 48-year-old woman whose body was discovered in a rural pond earlier this month, authorities announced Friday.
Deven Young of Frankfort was arrested Wednesday evening and charged with one count of murder in the death of Sunshine Stewart, known as “Sunny” to her friends, according to the Maine attorney general’s office. The victim’s body was found during a search of Crawford Pond in Union on July 3.
Young made his initial court appearance Friday, entering a denial to the charge. His defense attorney, Jeremy Pratt, didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment from NTD News. Young is scheduled to return to court Aug. 22.
Cause of Death Determined
The Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta determined Stewart died from strangulation and blunt force trauma, according to Maine State Police. Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive for the killing.
Community Impact
The killing has deeply affected the small community where Crawford Pond serves as a popular summer recreation destination. Located approximately 80 miles north of Portland in the town of Union, which has about 2,400 residents, the 600-acre pond attracts visitors for boating, fishing, and paddleboarding.
The pond features a number of secluded areas and narrow channels, and includes the 100 Acre Island preserve at its center, which can be reached by watercraft from a nearby campground. Police said that other boaters may have been on the water during the time of the incident without being aware of the danger.
Victim Remembered
Friends and family created a GoFundMe to honor Stewart, who would have celebrated her 49th birthday next month. The memorial fund created in her memory describes the loss as unexpected and refers to Stewart as “the light in our lives.”
Sunshine Stewart (R) and Bethany Leach Parmley in Union, Maine, in 2012. Cassidy Parmley/Bethany Leach Parmley via AP
The fundraiser has raised $34,000 of a $15,000 goal.
“Today is a somber day for our family and friends. We’ve unexpectedly lost the light in our lives that was Sunny,” according to the fundraising page. “We are asking everyone who has reached out to see how they could help to please help us to send her off the right way.”
Those who knew Stewart remember her as fiercely independent with a passion for outdoor adventures and building projects. Throughout her life, she worked in various capacities including as a fisherman, boat captain, carpenter, and bartender, according to online posts from friends.
Bethany Leach Parmley of Washington, Maine, who described herself as a lifelong friend, characterized Stewart as “dauntless” and the connecting force among a close group of friends.
“She was just a wonderful friend, a really loyal, wonderful friend,” Parmley said. “She was just so fun and funny and you couldn’t help but have a good time around her.”
Bruce Twyon, who knew Stewart from her time in the Virgin Islands, praised her self-motivation and approach to life. Stewart had renovated her Tenants Harbor home, demonstrating her spirit of “getting things done and enjoying life every day,” he said.
“She was such a sweet person and very strong and independent, and took care of a lot of people,” Twyon said.
Stewart was an experienced paddleboarder who used to teach lessons.
Ongoing Investigation
Maine State Police continue investigating the case and are seeking information from anyone who may have observed Stewart paddleboarding on Crawford Pond between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. on July 2, particularly near 100 Acre Island.
Court documents provide limited details, stating only that Young “did intentionally or knowingly cause the death of another human being, namely Sunshine Stewart,” according to court filings.
Police said Friday that they would not release additional information as the investigation remains active. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact Maine State Police at 207-624-7076 or text MESPTIP to 847411.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
