Authorities in Maine have made an arrest in connection to the homicide of 48-year-old Sunshine Stewart, who went missing while paddleboarding on Crawford Pond in Union, Maine, on July 2, 2025.
The arrested individual is a 17-year-old boy, whose identity has not been disclosed. The case has been described as “the most unusual” that local law enforcement officials have encountered.
The Incident and Discovery of Sunshine Stewart’s Body
On the evening of July 2, Sunshine Stewart went paddleboarding on Crawford Pond, located near her campsite. When she did not return by the evening, authorities were alerted and began searching for her.
By 1 a.m. on July 3, police discovered her body on 100 Acre Island, which sits at the center of the pond. After an investigation, authorities confirmed that her death was a homicide, caused by strangulation and blunt force trauma.
Investigation and Arrest
The 17-year-old boy was arrested on July 15, 2025, following a relentless investigation led by the Maine State Police. He was taken to a juvenile detention center in South Portland, Maine, but details about the specific charges he faces remain unclear. Authorities have not publicly disclosed the teenager’s name due to his age.
Maine State Police had previously asked men living near Crawford Pond to voluntarily submit their DNA as part of the investigation. The investigation gained significant attention in the community, as local residents expressed concern about the safety of the area following Stewart’s death.
The Area and Community Reactions
100 Acre Island, where Stewart’s body was found, is primarily owned by the Georges River Land Trust, with only limited public access. The island allows visitors during the day but requires permission for overnight camping. On the night of Stewart’s death, a family of four was camping on the island.
The mother of the family told authorities that she was informed it was safe to stay after they were questioned by law enforcement, but she later learned of the homicide days afterward.
Local reporter Stephen Betts, who has covered the region for over four decades, described the case as “the most unusual” he had encountered in his career.
The small community of Union, Maine, which has a population of about 2,300, expressed unease following the incident, particularly with the ongoing investigation.
Ongoing Investigation and Appeal for Information
The Maine State Police have urged anyone with relevant information about Sunshine Stewart’s death to come forward. The authorities emphasized the fear and discomfort the case has caused the residents of Union and the surrounding areas.
Despite the arrest, law enforcement officials have stated that the investigation is ongoing, and more details may be revealed as they continue their work.