A Maine judge ruled that Deven Young, accused in the death of paddleboarder Sunshine “Sunny” Stewart, is competent to stand trial—an order that prosecutors say is necessary before they can pursue adult charges. Maine District Court Judge Eric J. Walker issued the ruling on Wednesday, according to the court’s written decision.
The case centers on Stewart, 48, of St. George, whose death shocked residents around Crawford Pond in rural Union. Prosecutors charged Young, of Frankfort, with murder in July, about two weeks after Stewart’s body was discovered.
Before the court could move forward, the system had to address whether Young could understand the proceedings and meaningfully work with counsel. Walker concluded that Young has a rational understanding of the proceedings, can understand the facts related to the case, and has a sufficient present ability to consult with legal counsel with a reasonable degree of rational understanding.
Young’s age is a key procedural factor in the dispute over how prosecutors will proceed. The court system has treated Young as a juvenile so far, while prosecutors in the state want to charge him as an adult. Prosecutors’ position is tied to the timing: Young was 17 at the time of Stewart’s death and is 18 now.
Police have said a medical examiner determined Stewart died of strangulation and blunt force trauma. The case file made public briefly before being removed from the state’s courts website contained limited details, stating that Young “did intentionally or knowingly cause the death of another human being, namely Sunshine Stewart.”
Young’s attorney, Jeremy Pratt, declined to comment Thursday, and prosecutors also declined to comment. Authorities have not publicly stated a possible motive in the case.
According to reporting, audio recordings obtained earlier this year by news agencies included details about Young’s history of violent behavior and mental health challenges. The Portland Press Herald reported that Young had been waiting for behavioral health services from the state.
Stewart went missing at Crawford Pond, where she was paddleboarding, on July 2, and her body was found the next day. The pond is a popular summertime attraction for swimming, boating and fishing, and Stewart lived about 21 miles (34 kilometers) away in the Tenants Harbor neighborhood in St. George.
After Stewart’s death, friends and family marked her life with a maritime service last August. The memorial included a procession of boats decorated with flowers in Tenants Harbor, with pictures of Stewart smiling and a sign that read, “Shine On,” reflecting a career that friends said included work as a fisherman, boat captain, biologist, carpenter and bartender.
Young is due back in court on May 7.