Sunshine Stewart, a 48-year-old woman and outdoor enthusiast, was found murdered near Crawford Pond in Union, Maine, after going missing while paddleboarding earlier in July 2025. Maine State Police have ruled her death a homicide caused by strangulation and blunt force trauma. The investigation prompted authorities to seek public assistance and request local men to voluntarily submit DNA samples. On July 17, 2025, a 17-year-old boy was arrested and charged in connection with Stewart's killing. The suspect's identity has not been publicly disclosed. The case has drawn attention in the small Maine community, where residents expressed concern following the tragedy.
Police arrest teen in connection with a paddleboarder's killing in a pond in rural Maine https://t.co/s1DopjJUfL https://t.co/aobEPSJJEY
Sunshine Stewart, a contractor and outdoor enthusiast, was found murdered near Crawford Pond in Maine after paddleboarding, prompting police to ask local men to voluntarily submit DNA as the investigation continues. Law&Crime’s Chris Stewart @cstewartnews is On the Case. https://t.co/UELXKJdXnw
A 17-year-old has been arrested in the alleged murder of Sunshine Stewart, a paddleboarder who was found dead after being reported missing in Maine earlier this month. https://t.co/zswQ4jgmbH