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Maine Paddleboarder Murder: Teen Competent for Trial
2 May
Summary
- An 18-year-old faces murder charges in the death of Sunshine Stewart.
- A judge ruled the defendant competent to stand trial.
- Stewart's death was officially determined to be strangulation and blunt force trauma.
A judge has determined that an 18-year-old suspect is competent to stand trial for the murder of Sunshine Stewart, a paddleboarder who died last year. Stewart's body was discovered near Crawford Pond in Union, Maine. The suspect, Deven Young, was 17 at the time of the incident and is now facing the prospect of being tried as an adult.
Maine District Court Judge Eric J. Walker ruled on Wednesday that Young possesses a rational and factual understanding of the proceedings and can consult with his legal counsel. The medical examiner confirmed Stewart's cause of death as strangulation and blunt force trauma. Young is scheduled to appear in court again on May 7.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed a motive. Previous court documents indicated Young intentionally or knowingly caused Stewart's death. Audio recordings revealed the suspect's history of violent behavior and mental health challenges, for which he was awaiting state services. Stewart, known for various professions including fishing and carpentry, was memorialized by friends and family in August.
