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

11 hours ago in Local

Waldoboro Police Looking for Missing Man

Officers first announced the man was missing last Friday.

12 hours ago in Local

New Scam Targets Mainers With QR Code for Payments

The message included a QR code with payment instructions and a list of violations.

13 hours ago in Local

Bates College Lifts Shelter-In-Place as Lewiston Police Search for Armed Man

Students at Bates College in Lewiston were told to shelter-in-place Thursday afternoon due to reports of a man with a gun.

16 hours ago in Local

Maine motorcyclist dies after crashing into utility pole in Wales

A 51-year-old motorcyclist is dead after police say he crashed into a utility pole in Wales.

16 hours ago in Local

Maine Congressman Golden is sole House Democrat to vote against war powers resolution

Maine Democratic Congressman Jared Golden joined Republicans in defeating a measure to limit the president's ability to wage war in Iran.