ROCKLAND – The public has been expecting to learn the outcome of a status conference scheduled for Aug. 22 concerning the death of Sunshine Stewart, but recently a Knox County Superior Court judge reversed a July 18 decision and is now mandating that law enforcement and legal records remain sealed.  

Devon Young, 17, a juvenile who was arrested for the homicide of Stewart, made his initial appearance in court July 18. The Office of the Maine Attorney General confirmed Monday, July 21, that it would seek to have Young charged as an adult for the murder of Sunshine Stewart on July 2 in Union.  

Young was arrested July 16 by the Maine State Police during an investigation into the homicide of Stewart, who was found by law enforcement during a search of Crawford Pond in Union on July 3.

Because Young is a juvenile, Maine statute defines specific procedures that the state is required to follow.

Maine Judicial Branch Director of Legal Affairs and Public Relations Barbara A. Cardone suggested specific statues for review to assist with determining the direction of the case and why the court records are confidential.

According to Maine Statute §3318-A, Determination of competency of a juvenile to proceed in a juvenile proceeding: “pending a competency examination, the Juvenile Court shall suspend the proceeding on the petition.”

All records that have been previously open to public inspection are confidential and are not subject to be released by the court.

The statute states that pending a competency examination, the juvenile court shall suspend the proceeding on the petition.

All juvenile case records, including a petition that is otherwise open to public inspection, are confidential and are not subject to inspection, dissemination or release by the court. The suspension remains in effect pending the outcome of a competency determination hearing.

The Attorney General’s Office confirmed in an email Aug. 22 that, “the matter is no longer public, and we can’t comment.”

WABI-TV in Bangor reported during an Aug. 21 interview with the director for the School of Legal Studies at Husson University, John Michaud, about the recent restriction for the public to the court records for Young. Michaud believes the judge in the case has agreed to a competency hearing, according to WABI-TV.

“Anytime a competency hearing is called, information is shut off," he said in the interview. "That’s the law. It’s not shut off to hide information, it’s not shut off to make the public angry, it’s not shut off to make the public think they’re making a deal in the backroom."

Michaud further said in the interview that Young would undergo an evaluation and a mental health expert needs to determine both if he understands the charges against him and whether he can participate in his own defense.

The issue is whether Young, who turns 18 in September, is tried as an adult. If convicted, he would face a minimum of 25 years and possibly a life sentence in prison, according to Maine law. The Office of the Maine Attorney General has filed a motion to have Young charged as an adult in the murder of Stewart. 

There are thousands of petitioners, not only from Maine, who believe Young should be tried as an adult, according to a petition launched online at Change.org.

Change.org is a website that allows users to create and sign petitions in an attempt to advance various social causes by raising awareness and influencing decision-makers. The site claims to have 558 million users as of August 2025.

Petitions often focus on causes including criminal justice and human rights.

A supporter posted an introduction to a petition that began Aug. 21 on its website: “Sunshine 'Sunny' Stewart was a beloved member of our community, whose life was tragically cut short on July 2. Her infectious smile and kind heart touched everyone she met. She was more than just a friend; she was family to many, leaving behind memories that will be cherished forever. The devastating loss felt by her family and friends is immeasurable, and we deserve justice for Sunny.

"Deven Young, accused of committing this heinous act, is currently being tried as a minor. It is imperative that justice is served in the most fitting manner. Moving his case to adult court ensures that the severity of this crime is acknowledged and judged accordingly. Adult court signifies recognition of the responsibility and consequences that come with such grave actions. Young adults, especially those accused of severe crimes, should not be exempt from facing the full extent of the law.

"Knox County District Court has the jurisdiction to escalate Deven Young’s case from juvenile to adult court, recognizing the severity and public interest it warrants. This move is pivotal not only for seeking justice for Sunny but also for conveying a strong message that our community will not tolerate such violence. Crimes that terrify the public and rob us of cherished members demand transparency and accountability.

"Additionally, transparency plays a crucial role in maintaining public trust in our legal system. By making information related to this case available to the public, we can ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done. The community needs to be informed, and the case's details should be accessible to ensure fairness and restore trust.

"Join us in calling upon Judge Eric Walker and Knox County District Court to take immediate action.”

To date, the petition started on Aug. 21 has almost 4,800 signatures.

Reach Sarah Shepherd at news@penbaypilot.com