Maine Teen Accused in Paddleboarder Killing Appears in Court

The 18-year-old charged with the murder of paddleboarder Sunshine “Sunny” Stewart appeared in court Thursday, May 7, for a scheduling conference.

Deven Young of Frankfort, faces a murder charge in the death of the 48-year-old Tenants Harbor woman. Stewart was killed on July 2, 2025, while paddleboarding alone on Crawford Pond in Union. Her body was discovered the following day on an island under unusual circumstances. The medical examiner ruled her death a homicide caused by strangulation and blunt force trauma.

Young, who was 17 at the time of the alleged crime, was arrested in mid-July 2025 and charged with intentional or knowing murder or murder with depraved indifference.

This week’s court proceedings follow a recent ruling by Maine District Court Judge Eric J. Walker. On Wednesday, the judge determined that Young is competent to stand trial, finding that he has a rational and factual understanding of the proceedings and the ability to consult with counsel. Defense attorneys had challenged his competency, but the court rejected that argument. Details of the competency evaluation remain sealed.

Prosecutors are seeking to try Young as an adult in a “bind-over” hearing. Until that decision is made, the case continues to be handled in juvenile court.

No trial date has been set.

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