Sharon, Pennsylvania – A 31-year-old man from Sharon, Pennsylvania, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the brutal dismemberment of a 14-year-old transgender teenager. The victim, Pauly Likens, was found dead in a gruesome state just days before their 15th birthday.
According to Mercer County District Attorney Peter Acker, this case is particularly significant due to the horrific nature of the crime. Acker describes this dismemberment as one of the worst he has ever encountered. Investigators revealed that the suspect, 29-year-old DaShawn Watkins, had arranged to meet Likens on the dating app Grindr.
Likens’ remains were discovered at Shenango River Lake and the surrounding area. The Mercer County Coroner’s Office ruled the cause of death as sharp force trauma to the head before the dismemberment.
Police have not revealed the motive but Watkins is currently being held without bail at the Mercer County Jail. In addition to murder charges, he also faces allegations of aggravated assault, evidence tampering, and abuse of a corpse.
The city of Sharon, with a population of around 13,000 residents, is located near the border of Ohio. This shocking crime has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of its residents.
The investigation into this tragic incident is ongoing, as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the teenager’s death. Details surrounding the motive or any potential relationship between the suspect and the victim remain unknown at this time.
As the community mourns the loss of a young life, the pursuit of justice for this heinous crime continues. The suspect is set to face the full weight of the law as he awaits his day in court.