Missing paddleboarder’s death ruled homicide, Maine cops say. Now, teen charged
A 17-year-old boy is charged in the homicide death of Sunshine Stewart, a woman who went missing while paddleboarding on a pond in Maine and was found dead hours later, according to state authorities.
Stewart, 48, of Tenants Harbor, died of “strangulation and blunt force trauma” before her body was located at Crawford Pond in Union on July 3, Maine State Police announced in a July 17 news release.
On July 16, police said the 17-year-old was arrested “in connection with the homicide investigation” in Union, which is about a 75-mile drive northeast from Portland.
Authorities did not immediately specify the charges he is facing. His name was not shared in the release.
Stewart was paddleboarding near 100 Acre Island on Crawford Pond in Union between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. July 2, according to a July 5 release from state police, McClatchy News reported.
State game wardens were called to the roughly 590-acre pond to help look for Stewart at about 1:05 a.m. July 3, according to police. A search involving the town’s fire department and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office had already been underway.
Stewart’s body was found on the shore of 100 Acre Island after a drone spotted her paddleboard, the Midcoast Villager reported.
The teen who was taken into custody was detained at the the Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland, according to police, who said the investigation continues.
Before authorities shared the news of the teen’s arrest, Stewart’s childhood friend spoke with WMTW, saying Stewart was “outgoing, loving, kind, strong willed, steadfast in her beliefs, independent and sunny as she’s always shining like the sun.”
“She had a good name for herself,” Meredith Smith told the TV station, referring to Stewart’s first name.
Authorities are asking anyone with information relevant to the homicide investigation to reach out to Maine State Police by calling 207-624-7076 or texting MESPTIP to 847411.
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