A 17-year-old man has been arrested in the murder From a woman whose body was discovered hours after she went on a wooded pond this month Padleboarding went on a wooded pond near Coastal Maine.
Sunshine “Sunny” Stewart, 48, died of strangulation and blunt strength trauma, said Maine State Police in a statement Thursday.
Researchers said she had only gone on 2 July on July 2 at Crawford Pond in Union. After she did not return hours later, someone reported her missing. Her body was found near an island in the middle of the pond somewhere after 1 hour on July 3.
The police said they arrested the teenager in Union on Wednesday evening without incidents. He was taken to the Long Creek Youth Development Center – a youth prison in South Portland, Maine.
Under Maine law The identity of youthful perpetrators is usually not made public.
A spokesperson for the Maine State Police refused to comment when he was reached by CNN for additional information.
She was planning to have a meeting on July 4, say friends
Stewart lived in tenants, a neighborhood in the city of St. George about 20 miles south of Crawford Pond.
Her friend, Rachael Blumenberg, who stayed with her, said she was coming home The night she was missing and found Stewart’s dog alone. She knew something was wrong.
“The house was completely dark and her dog was there, and she is very dedicated to her dog,” Blumenberg told CNN Affiliate WMTW.
Stewart was planning to organize family for the Fourth of July weekend, Said her friends. The arrest brought a stream of conflicting emotions.
“I am kept on the ground with elaboration and sorrow,” Blumenberg told WMTW.
The lack of information after her murder caused the concern of residents when the police warned the community to remain vigilant. After the news about her murder originated, Gus Williams told CNN -branch WMTW That Crawford pound is so safe, people who live in the area do not lock their doors.
“Like ever, it certainly feels … just intrusive and, I don’t know, frightening,” he said for the arrest.
Crawford Pond can be seen on Wednesday 9 July 2025 in Union, Maine. Stewart lived about 20 miles away. – Robert F. Bukaty/AP
Authorities called the major crimes unit after she found her body
Stewart left a campsite on the north coast of the pond only at around 6 p.m. on 2 July to paddle. The 600-hectare pond is surrounded by private ownership and is the home of Loons, Smallmouth Bass and other Waterleven.
The representatives of the sheriff, firefighters and other law enforcement officials warned the Maine State Police Major Crimes unit after they found her body because of the “circumstances” of the discovery, Said the police Then without going further in detail.
Her sister, Kim Ware, described Stewart as an active woman and a boat captain who once sailed all the way to the Caribbean.
“Sunny loved the outdoors, walking, sailing, paddleboarding and yoga,” she told the affiliated company. “Sunny knowing is a great blessing. My sister and my best friend. The aunt who came up to help me raise her nephews,” added true.
“Everyone blessed to be in her presence was awe for her, her strength, courage, character, her energy and light.”
Stewart had experienced a lot, but continued to push forward, one of her friends, Sarah Vokey, told WMTW.
“Her life was not easy, but she walked through it with her head with that radiant all -embracing smile on her face,” said Vokey. “One of the many reasons why I admired her, loved and appreciated her. One of the most difficult things I’ve ever written was the text I sent to my son:” Sunshine was murdered. “
In the meantime, the law enforcement remains tight over the evidence that they have collected since her death. The investigation is underway and no more information will be released, the police said.
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