Maine
Maine teen accused of killing paddleboarder makes court appearance
PORTLAND (WGME) — The 18-year-old charged with the death of paddleboarder Sunshine “Sunny” Stewart last summer appeared in court Thursday.
Sunshine “Sunny” Stewart (Stewart Family)
Stewart was killed last July in Union while out paddleboarding near a family campground.
Last week, a judge ruled Deven Young is competent to stand trial.
Thursday afternoon, he appeared in front of a judge via Zoom from Long Creek Youth Development Center.
The hearing to address motions started and stopped briefly when Young’s attorneys said they hadn’t yet had an opportunity to speak with their client.
Deven Young (Deven.Young.33/Facebook)
We didn’t hear much from Young once the hearing restarted, except for when he acknowledged his name. During the hearing, Young’s attorneys objected to the state’s request for his school and hospital records. They say since Young was 17 when police say he committed this crime, he should be treated as a juvenile.
The judge said he would take the matter under review.
He also talked about a “bind-over hearing” being held by August or September.
That’s where they could decide whether to try Young as an adult.
Young is facing a murder charge.
A medical examiner says Stewart died from strangulation and blunt force trauma.
Sunshine “Sunny” Stewart (APTN via CBS Newspath)
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Police haven’t publicly said what the motive might be.