A paddleboarder was mysteriously murdered in a small Maine city — and authorities are urging calm because the killer stays unknown.
Sunshine Stewart’s physique was discovered below “uncommon circumstances” on an island on Crawford Pond in the neighborhood of Union round 1 a.m. July 3, after she by no means returned from her solo paddleboard outing the evening earlier than, Maine State Police informed NBC Information.
The island, referred to as 100 Acre Island, sits in the midst of the huge pond and is just accessible by boat, police stated, WMTW reported.
Officers decided the 48-year-old’s dying was a murder — however no trigger has been revealed and no suspects have been recognized greater than every week later as a manhunt for the assassin is underway.
“The Maine State Police acknowledges the concern and discomfort that this incident has dropped at the city of Union and the Crawford Pond group,” the company stated in a press release shared Wednesday night. “We stay steadfast in our efforts to research the dying.”
“We perceive the group’s considerations and ask that residents proceed to stay vigilant, pay attention to their environment, and report any suspicious exercise to legislation enforcement,” police stated.
Stewart, an skilled paddleboarder and outside adventurist, went out on Crawford Pond by herself at about 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 2, close to the Mic Mac Cove Household Campground.
When she had not returned six hours later, she was reported lacking, police stated.
Stewart was positioned on the island by a sport warden after a multi-agency search.
Police stated they’ve been working with the homeowners of the Mic Mac campground, who’ve been cooperative and helping with the investigation.
The campground stated in a Fb put up that investigators have been utilizing the campground to entry the crime scene, which isn’t a part of the camp property.
Investigators have been following up on a number of ideas acquired by means of a hotline and have requested for any witnesses who could have seen Stewart paddleboarding on July 2 between 6 and 9 p.m. on Crawford Pond to contact them.
“Detectives from Main Crimes Unit Central have been reviewing the entire leads pushed by means of our tip line and proceed to observe each investigative and forensic avenue,” state police stated.
Stewart, from Tenants Harbor about 25 miles from the place she was discovered, was a contractor who beforehand labored as a marine biologist, lobster catcher and boat captain and even as soon as sailed all the best way to the Caribbean, in keeping with her sister, Kim Ware.
“Captain Sunny was an incredible particular person” who “would provide the shirt off her again. The strongest particular person I do know!” she stated in a press release to WMTW.
“Sunny beloved the outside, mountain climbing, boating, paddleboarding, and yoga. To know Sunny is an incredible blessing! My sister and my finest good friend. The aunt that stepped as much as assist me elevate her nephews. She has so many that decision her household. Really an incredible lady. Now now we have to rally and provides her justice!” stated Ware.
Union, a city of about 2,500 folks, is positioned about 30 miles east of the Maine state capital, Augusta.
