CLARK BOROUGH, Pennsylvania — A man from western Pennsylvania has been arrested and charged with the murder and dismemberment of a 14-year-old transgender teenager, stirring concerns in the community over violence against LGBTQ individuals.
29-year-old DaShawn Watkins faces charges of first-degree murder, aggravated assault, evidence tampering, and abuse of a corpse in the death of Pauly Likens, who was reported missing on June 22. The investigation led to a gruesome discovery of Likens’ dismembered remains in and around Shenango River Lake.
Authorities were alerted to the case when the Sharon Police Department received a missing person report for Likens. Subsequent investigations led the Hermitage Police Department to nearby water bodies where they discovered human remains a few days later. The dismembered state of the remains necessitated an extended search in the area, eventually confirming the identity of the remains as those of Likens.
An autopsy indicated that Likens had sustained sharp force trauma to the head, and the death was officially ruled a homicide. Further investigation by state police linked Watkins to the crime through surveillance footage that captured him making multiple trips from his apartment, carrying various bags, to the lake area where the remains were found. Additional evidence from Watkins’ apartment included bloodstains that preliminarily tested positive for human blood.
The case has drawn attention from local advocate groups, emphasizing the vulnerability of LGBTQ youth. Pamela Ladner, president of the LGBTQIA+ Alliance Shenango Valley, expressed deep concern over the safety of transgender youth in particular. She highlighted the importance of community and legislative actions to protect LGBTQ individuals from violence.
Ladner also provided insights into Likens’ life, describing the teenager as a fun-loving and caring individual known for playing pranks and showing immense love for family and friends. The loss has left the Likens family and community grieving deeply, compounded by the violent circumstances of the death.
The local LGBTQ community, along with other supporters, are actively raising awareness and advocating for justice for Likens. They have organized a candlelight vigil to honor the teen’s memory and to stand against hate crimes, which they suspect could be an underlying motive in this tragic incident, although hate crime charges have not been filed.
Watkins, who has been denied bail, is scheduled to appear for preliminary hearings later this month, after an arraignment where he did not enter a plea. The case continues to develop as investigations proceed and the community seeks to address larger issues of safety and equality for transgender and all LGBTQ individuals.
This incident has ignited a broader conversation about safety and rights within the LGBTQ community, reflecting ongoing societal challenges and the need for proactive approaches to ensure the safety of vulnerable populations.