DaShawn Watkins, a 29-year-old man from Sharon, Pennsylvania, has been charged with the murder and dismemberment of 14-year-old Pauly Likens, a transgender girl who went missing in late June.
Authorities discovered dismembered human remains in and around Shenango River Lake on June 25th, the same day Likens was reported missing.
The remains were later identified as belonging to the teenager. Investigators believe Watkins met Likens through a dating app.
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Surveillance footage allegedly captured Watkins carrying a large duffel bag out of his apartment, where police also found blood evidence. According to the Mercer County Coroner’s Office, Likens died from sharp force trauma to the head before being dismembered.
Watkins has been charged with homicide, aggravated assault, evidence tampering, and abuse of a corpse. He is currently being held without bail at the Mercer County Jail.
The case has sparked outrage and grief within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond, with calls for justice for Likens and her family. Activists argue that this tragic incident highlights the vulnerability of transgender individuals and the need for greater protection and acceptance.
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A vigil was held in Sharon to honor Likens’ memory, with community members expressing their condolences and solidarity with the grieving family. The investigation is ongoing, and further details may be released as they become available.
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