Teen Charged in Maine Paddleboarder’s Murder After Two-Week Manhunt

A 17-year-old boy accused of murdering a paddleboarder during a two-week search was surprisingly eager to assist authorities, leading them on a wild goose chase until his arrest. The incident occurred at Mic Mac Cove Campground’s pond, where Sunshine “Sunny” Stewart, 48, vanished on July 2 while paddleboarding alone. Her body was discovered the next day, having been bludgeoned and strangled under suspicious circumstances.

During the extensive manhunt, the suspect, Deven Young, who was vacationing with his family, volunteered information to the authorities, claiming he had something to show them. He took officers in the opposite direction from where Stewart’s body was found, on a boat ride that turned out to be a diversion, as campground owner Katherine Lunt explained. Surveillance footage later confirmed Young was on the lake at the time of the murder, indicating he was in the vicinity.

Despite the evidence, Young continued posting on social media, claiming he was doing well shortly after the crime. Throughout the investigation, he appeared unconcerned, acting “totally normal,” according to the campground owner. His behavior only raised suspicion once authorities interviewed him for several hours, where they quickly identified him as a suspect.

Following his arrest, prosecutors announced plans to try him as an adult, although that decision remains pending. Young denied the charges during his initial court appearance and is currently held at a juvenile facility to prevent him from harming others. His next court hearing is scheduled for August 22 in Rockland District Court.