investigation launched following the death of a paddleboarder in a quiet coastal community, prompting speculation about a possible serial killer
In the tranquil vacation destination of Union, Maine, the news of Sunshine "Sunny" Stewart's tragic demise has sent shockwaves through the community. This young woman's life was cruelly cut short, and her death has sparked fears of a potential serial killer in New England.
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, a reporter for Digital, has contributed to this report. The authorities are investigating the "suspicious death" of Sunshine "Sunny" Stewart, who was found on an island only accessible by boat on July 3, 2025. An autopsy conducted on her body determined her cause of death as strangulation and blunt force trauma.
The circumstances surrounding Sunshine "Sunny" Stewart's disappearance are equally concerning. She went missing near Crawford Pond in Union, Maine on July 2, 2025. Authorities are focusing on her movements before the incident and potential contacts she may have had.
The case of Adriana Suazo, another young woman whose body was found last month in a wooded area in Milton, Massachusetts, remains under investigation. Her death, like Sunshine "Sunny" Stewart's, had no signs of trauma.
Since March 2025, at least 13 bodies have been discovered across New England, including in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Maine. Most of these bodies were found in remote or wooded areas. This alarming trend has led to a heightened sense of unease and fear among residents.
Local authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. They are working to reassure the community while investigations continue. A 17-year-old male has been arrested in connection with the death of Sunshine "Sunny" Stewart, but it is unclear if this arrest is related to the broader series of unexplained deaths in the region.
The community is anxious for updates on the investigation, particularly as official silence has led to speculation and fear about the possibility of a serial killer. There is speculation about potential links between the Maine case and other unsolved deaths in the area, although authorities have not confirmed any connections.
Peter Valentin, chair of the Forensic Science Department at the University of New Haven's Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences, finds the timing of human remains found across three New England states over two months "curious."
As the investigation continues, authorities are working tirelessly to provide clarity and reassurance to the public. Julia Bonavita, a U.S. writer for Digital and a Fox Flight Team drone pilot, will continue to bring updates on this developing story. You can follow her at @juliabonavita13 on all platforms, and story tips can be sent to [email protected].
Gus Williams, a resident near Crawford Pond, expressed feelings of intrusion and terror following the murder. The community's fear and anxiety are palpable, but the authorities' diligent efforts offer hope for resolution and justice.
The mysterious deaths of Sunshine "Sunny" Stewart and Adriana Suazo, along with ten others in New England, have stirred up discussions in the realm of politics, with the community demanding answers from authorities. general-news outlets such as Digital are covering the crime-and-justice story extensively, as the public remains on edge due to the lack of information and potential connection between the apparently unrelated cases.
