Victim Identified in MSP Homicide Investigation in Union

On Thursday, July 3, 2025, at approximately 1:05 AM, Maine Game Wardens were called to assist the Union Fire Department and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office in the search for a missing paddleboarder on Crawford Pond in Union. During the course of the search, an adult female was located deceased. Based on the circumstances surrounding the discovery, Wardens requested the assistance of the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit Central.

The deceased has been identified as 48-year-old Sunshine Stewart of Tenants Harbor. An autopsy was performed on Thursday, July 3, 2025, by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta. The manner of death was determined to be homicide. The cause of death is not being released at this time. Anyone who may have seen Sunshine Stewart paddleboarding on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM near 100 Acre Island on Crawford Pond is asked to contact the Maine State Police at 207.624.7076. This is an active and ongoing investigation.

As always, members of the public are encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behavior to law enforcement. Additional information will be released when it becomes appropriate to do so based on the progress of the investigation.