In a chilling case that has captured national attention, a 17-year-old boy named Deven Young has been charged with the murder of 48-year-old Sunshine Stewart. The incident happened during a summer vacation at a campground in Union, Maine, where both the suspect and victim were staying.
Prosecutors are now pushing for Young to be tried as an adult due to the serious nature of the crime and the shocking new details that have come to light.
What Happened at the Campground?
The crime took place at Mic Mac Cove Campground, where Deven Young was vacationing with his family. Sunshine Stewart was also staying there and went paddleboarding on Crawford Pond on July 2.
When she didn’t return, police were called. After days of searching, her body was found on a small island in the middle of the pond.
According to Maine State Police, Stewart was killed by strangulation and blunt force trauma — a violent and intentional act. This raised questions about the nature of the crime and who might have committed it.
Suspicious Behavior from the Suspect
One of the most alarming parts of the case is how the suspect reportedly behaved after the incident. The campground owner, Katharine Lunt, told media that Young had “volunteered” to help investigators — even though he was later arrested as the main suspect.
Instead of helping, Young allegedly misled police by giving false information and pointing them in the wrong direction. Surveillance footage later revealed he was on the lake in his small fishing boat around the time Stewart disappeared.
Lunt added that Young stayed at the campground for two full weeks after the murder, acting normally and even helping other campers with their tasks. She said no one suspected him at the time because of his young age. “Nobody was looking for a child,” she said.
Why Prosecutors Want Him Tried as an Adult
Though Deven Young is 17, prosecutors are asking that he be tried as an adult. If treated as a juvenile, he could be released from custody by the age of 21. But with such a brutal and planned attack, the court may decide that he should face full adult consequences.
The judge will consider several factors, including the nature of the crime, Young’s age, and mental state, before making a final decision.
Experts Believe the Murder Was Planned
Former NYPD detective Tom Smith told Law&Crime that the way Young inserted himself into the investigation was a red flag. Smith believes this was not an impulsive crime, but something planned and targeted.
He explained that Young may have seen Stewart as vulnerable and used the situation to his advantage. Smith believes it’s important to look into Young’s past to understand what might have motivated him to commit such a crime.
Who Was Sunshine Stewart?
Friends and family of Sunshine Stewart are heartbroken. She was known for being energetic, adventurous, and full of life. Bethany Leach Parmley, one of her friends, said she was always fun to be around.
Another friend, Tennie Komar, described her as hardworking and full of energy. She added, “This is just beyond belief… It feels like we’re living in a Stephen King novel.”
Where Is the Case Now?
Deven Young is currently being held at the Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland, Maine. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 22. The court will soon decide if he will be tried as an adult.
This heartbreaking and disturbing case has shocked both the local Maine community and people across the country. The idea that a teenager could commit such a violent and planned murder — and then continue life as if nothing had happened — is deeply troubling.
The coming court decisions will determine if Deven Young faces adult punishment. Meanwhile, family and friends continue to grieve the loss of Sunshine Stewart, who was a vibrant, kind-hearted woman taken far too soon.
