News

State Rep Not Happy with State Police in Paddleboarder Killing

State Rep Not Happy with State Police in Paddleboarder Killing

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


There’s more reaction after an arrest in connected to the killing of a paddleboarder in Union last Friday.

State Representative Katrina Smith lives in the area, and she’s frustrated with the State Police for not emphasizing the need for safety when they knew the killing was violent.

“I felt like the outcry could have been a little greater, and the warning to people could have been stronger based on the nature of this death,” said Smith.

It was only after an arrest was made that it was revealed the cause of death was strangulation and blunt force trauma.

17-year-old Deven Young was arrested Wednesday after the body of 48-year-old Sunshine “Sunny” Stewart was found on an island in Crawford Pond last weekend.

Young’s name was released on Friday.

Smith says State Police should have been more transparent about the possible threat to the public, “I am a little perturbed that they didn’t come out and just say, listen, be very, very vigilant. Don’t be alone and continue to beat that drum instead of one press release,” Smith said.

The suspect is currently behind bars at the Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland, which is the state’s youth detention center.

The killing drew national press coverage in the last week because of its mysterious nature.

Latest Headlines

6 hours ago in Local

Portland Passes $19.00 Minimum Wage by Wide Margin

Almost 63 percent of Portland voters cast a ballot to increase Portland's minimum wage.

7 hours ago in Local

Maine Voters Pass Gun Law, Reject Voter ID by Wide Margins

A sweep by Democrats across the country in Tuesday's election has carried over into ballot measures in Maine.

13 hours ago in Local

Human Remains Found in Aroostook County

State police confirmed Tuesday that a Blaine resident discovered the remains last Thursday.

13 hours ago in Local

Police Break Up Argument at Maine Polling Place Over Transgender Athletes

The election warden called police after a argument broke out.

14 hours ago in Local

Red Flag Law, voter ID measure appear on Maine ballot this Election Day

Voters in Maine headed to the polls Tuesday to weigh in on two major questions on the state ballot.