Maine State Police have launched a homicide investigation after the body of Sunshine “Sunny” Stewart, a 48-year-old marine biologist from Tenants Harbor, was recovered on 3 July from Crawford Pond in the rural town of Union. An autopsy performed by the state medical examiner in Augusta determined the manner of death was homicide, though authorities have not disclosed the cause. Stewart had been staying at the nearby Mic Mac Campground and set out alone on her paddleboard around 6 p.m. on 2 July. When she failed to return, a missing-person call triggered an overnight search involving game wardens, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and the Union Fire Department. Her remains were found early the next morning close to 100 Acre Island in the center of the 600-acre pond. Detectives with the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit Central are leading the case and have not announced any suspects or arrests. Investigators are asking anyone who was on Crawford Pond between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. on 2 July, or who has other relevant information, to contact them at 207-624-7076. The inquiry remains active and ongoing.