Deven Young, a 17-year-old from Frankfort, Maine, has been charged with the murder of paddleboarder Sunshine ‘Sunny’ Stewart. Stewart, 48, was reported missing on July 2, with her body discovered the following morning near 100 Acre Island, a wooded preserve in Union that is only accessible by water. Young was identified as the murder suspect in court documents released on Friday.
Here is a picture of 17-year old Deven Young who is charged with the murder of paddleboarder Sunshine Stewart in Maine. @LawCrimeNetwork pic.twitter.com/6di1lNl62N
— Chris Stewart (@CStewartNews) July 18, 2025
Details of the Incident
Maine State Police have stated that Young is responsible for Stewart’s death due to “strangulation and blunt force trauma,” according to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta, Maine. Following his arrest on July 16, Young appeared virtually in court and denied the charges.
Who is Deven Young?
Charged with “intentionally or knowingly causing the death” of Stewart, Young is also accused of acting with “depraved indifference.” Reports indicate that Young spent summers with his family at Crawford Pond.
At the time of the incident, Young and his family were staying at the Mic Mac Family Campground near Union. Their home in Frankfort is approximately 30 miles away from the pond area.
An active Facebook profile for Young has drawn attention, showing images that feature AR-15 rifles and other controversial content. This has sparked outrage online, particularly in connection with the gravity of the charges he faces.
Pending Court Proceedings
During his virtual appearance in Knox County Court, Young denied the allegations against him. His next hearing is scheduled for August 22. It remains unclear whether he will be tried as an adult, as he will turn 18 in September. He is currently represented by Jeremy Pratt, an attorney from Camden.
Ongoing Investigation
Maine State Police have indicated that the investigation is ongoing and that many questions remain unanswered. A motive for the crime has not yet been determined, and there is no information available regarding whether Young’s DNA was found at the crime scene.
This tragic case underscores the complexities of youth involvement in serious crimes and the ongoing challenges in law enforcement’s approach to such incidents.
