A 17-year-old camper's seemingly helpful demeanor turned sinister when he was charged with the brutal murder of a paddleboarder at a Maine campground.

According to The Daily Caller, Deven Young was arrested Friday for the murder of 48-year-old Sunshine "Sunny" Stewart, who was found strangled and bludgeoned to death after disappearing during a paddleboarding excursion before Independence Day.

The crime has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Mic Mac Campground community, where Young was known for his helpfulness and woodcraft talents. Prior to his arrest, the teenager had integrated himself into the investigation, even offering assistance to law enforcement officials searching for Stewart's killer.

Deceptive Teen's Involvement Raises Red Flags

Katharine Lunt, the campground's owner, expressed disbelief at Young's alleged involvement in the brutal crime. She described the teen as someone who regularly volunteered for yard work and crafted wooden items for fellow campers.

Young's apparent cooperation with police took an unusual turn when he led investigators on what Lunt described as a "wild goose chase." The teenager deliberately directed officers away from where Stewart's body was eventually discovered.

Despite the gravity of his alleged actions, Young maintained an unsettling normalcy in his behavior. Lunt noted that the teen showed no signs of distress or unusual behavior following Stewart's death.

Troubled Past Emerges After Arrest

Multiple sources who knew Young during his childhood have come forward with concerning information about his past behavior. Two individuals reported that the teen had a history of getting into fights.

Former acquaintances painted contrasting pictures of Young's character, with some describing him as a longtime bully since preschool. However, at least one person disputed these claims, stating they had never witnessed any bullying behavior.

The investigation culminated in Young's arrest on July 16, after authorities spent several hours questioning him. The teen is currently being held at the Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland.

Legal Proceedings and Adult Trial Possibility

The Maine Attorney General's Office is pushing to have Young tried as an adult for the murder charges. With his birthday approaching in September, the decision could significantly impact the severity of his potential sentence.

Young's arrest has transformed the peaceful Mic Mac Campground into an unlikely crime scene. The owner emphasized how unprecedented such violence is at the facility, describing it as a traditionally safe haven for visitors.

Law enforcement officials continue to gather evidence while Young remains in custody. The case has sparked discussions about safety measures at campgrounds and the sometimes deceptive nature of seemingly helpful individuals.

Investigation Reveals Disturbing Pattern

The teenager's calculated attempt to mislead investigators highlights a disturbing level of premeditation. His voluntary participation in the search efforts while allegedly knowing the truth about Stewart's fate has particularly disturbed the camping community.

Young's apparent normalcy following the murder has become a crucial element of the investigation. His ability to maintain composure and even assist in the search efforts while allegedly being responsible for Stewart's death has shocked both law enforcement and fellow campers.

The case of Sunshine Stewart's murder has transformed a peaceful Maine campground into the center of a complex criminal investigation, with a teenager's helpful facade masking what authorities believe to be a brutal crime.