Sharon, PA — In a tragic development, officials in Pennsylvania have identified the dismembered remains of a young transgender teenager, Pauly Likens, who disappeared late last month. Likens was last seen near her home in Sharon, a town bordering Ohio, and her remains were discovered in the nearby Shenango River Lake on June 25.
Mercer County Coroner’s Office, along with the Pennsylvania State Police, were able to confirm the identity of the body parts, and announced that the 14-year-old had suffered a violent death. According to the police report, Likens died from sharp force trauma to the head, with evidence suggesting the use of a cutting instrument in the dismemberment.
Following the discovery and identification of the remains, authorities arrested 29-year-old DaShawn Watkins, who now faces charges including first-degree murder, aggravated assault, and abuse of a corpse. Watkins, whose legal representation has not yet issued a statement, could confront the death penalty or life imprisonment if convicted.
The case has stirred considerable emotion, not least from the local LGBTQIA+ community. Pamela Ladner, who leads the Shenango Valley LGBTQIA+ Alliance, recounted conversations with Likens’ grieving family. They are pushing for Watkins to be charged with a hate crime, underscoring the brutality of the murder. “This crime was committed with such extreme malice and aggression that it clearly reflects deep-seated hatred,” Ladner stated.
Despite the family’s and community’s suspicions, Mercer County District Attorney, Peter C. Acker indicated that there is currently no evidence suggesting the homicide was motivated by anti-transgender bias. However, he emphasized that the nature of the crime is under thorough investigation and such determinations could evolve as more information becomes available. Acker described the killing as one of the most brutal he’s seen in over four decades of legal practice.
The evening prior to her disappearance, Likens reportedly left a friend’s house intending to walk home and even checked in on Snapchat around 2:30 a.m., recording her movements and giving no indication of distress. Authorities were able to trace Watkins to Likens and the crime scene through surveillance footage and cellphone data.
Video surveillance captured Watkins’ vehicle near the park and Likens’ last known location around the time her phone ceased communication with cell towers. Further chilling evidence came from Watkins’ apartment, where investigators discovered traces of blood and found receipts for a recently purchased cutting saw. One blade from the saw was missing when police seized the tool during their investigation.
In his interactions with authorities, Watkins admitted to meeting someone through Grindr early on the morning Likens vanished, claiming that the individual matched Likens’ description but denied that they had returned to his apartment. However, his explanations were contradicted by video evidence showing him moving large bags, which he awkwardly explained as old luggage.
Emerging details about the case have shocked the local community and advocacy groups, prompting calls for justice and raising serious concerns about violence targeting transgender individuals.
Likens’ memory will be honored at a vigil organized by the local community and LGBTQIA+ Alliance, scheduled to take place in Sharon this Saturday, reflecting the communal grief and solidarity in the face of such a heinous act. As the legal proceedings against Watkins move forward, many are watching closely, hoping for justice for Pauly Likens and her family.