A woman went paddleboarding on a pond near a campground and wound up murdered – and the killer is on the loose.
Sunshine Stewart, 48, was last seen going out on Crawford Pond in Union, Maine, between 6pm and 9pm on July 2. Around 1am the next day, Maine Game Wardens joined sheriff’s deputies and fire department officials in searching for Stewart.
Stewart’s body was found during the effort, said Maine State Police on Monday.
‘Today is a somber day for our family and friends,’ stated a GoFundMe page for Stewart’s funeral arrangements and memorial services.
‘We’ve unexpectedly lost the light in our lives that was Sunny.’
Stewart’s manner of death was a homicide, according to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta, the state capital.
Details on the murderer remain a mystery amid an ongoing investigation.
‘Based on the circumstances surrounding the discovery, Wardens requested the assistance of the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit Central,’ state police said.
Law enforcement sources told ABC News that Stewart’s body was discovered under ‘unusual circumstances’ and that she clearly did not drown accidentally or kill herself. Officials are scouring the neighborhood for any CCTV footage.
Stewart is believed to have gone in the water near 100 Acre Island Preserve, which is maintained by the Georges River Land Trust. The preserve is open to the public during the day and some overnight camping is permitted.
She grew up near Union, which is about 30 miles east of Augusta, and bought and renovated a 1900s home on River Road in Tenants Harbor.
Stewart worked as a carpenter, bartender and waitress, and even made a living fishing.
‘She had such a strong personality. She radiated positivity and love. She was like a magnet. People were attracted to her,’ Stewart’s longtime friend, Stacey Yandell, told the Midcoast Villager.
‘She rebuilt her own house including the slate roof and siding… She was a strong, self-made woman.’
Stewart was not married and did not have children, but cared for several dogs. She left behind a brother, a sister, nephews.
The GoFundMe had raised more than $19,100 as of Wednesday evening.
Anyone with information on Stewart is urged to contact state police.
‘As always, members of the public are encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behavior to law enforcement,’ said state police, declining to immediately release any additional information on the case.
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