PA Man Charged In Murder Of Transgender Teen

Pittsburgh’s ABC affiliate reports:

A Western Pennsylvania man is accused of murdering and dismembering a transgender teenager. DaShawn Watkins, 29, is facing murder charges in connection with the death of 14-year-old Pauly Likens.

On June 25, the Sharon Police Department received a report that Likens had been missing since June 22, a news release from the Mercer County Coroner states.

That same day, the Hermitage Police Department was dispatched to a nearby lake, where they found dismembered human remains recovered in and around the water, officials stated. Likens’ remains were recovered in the area surrounding Shenango River Lake over the following week, according to state police.

The Erie Times-News reports:

The Pennsylvania State Police charged Watkins with first-degree murder, abuse of a corpse, aggravated assault and tampering with evidence in the death of Pauly, who police said was killed on June 23.

Among the allegations is that Watkins killed Pauly after the two met via Grindr, the popular LGBTQ dating app, according to arrest records.

The death has generated a flood of support for Pauly’s family and the Shenango Valley LGBTQIA+ Alliance, president Pam Ladner said. “We have a lot of people who are stepping up and showing support to make sure she gets the recognition and the justice that she should get,” Ladner said.

Trigger Warning: Transphobia, Violence

We must protect trans kids and people. Pauly Likens, 14, was brutally murdered. Her story shows the dangers we face.

candlelight vigil on July 13 in Sharon PA . Unite, speak out, and ensure trans lives are valued.
Rest in power, Pauly. pic.twitter.com/X9kRYbZ7zr

— Trans YOUniting (@transyouniting) July 4, 2024

A Pennsylvania community is in mourning after the body of a transgender teenager, 14-year-old Pauly Likens, was found dismembered at the end of Pride month. https://t.co/DJp8z8HISo pic.twitter.com/SGans6gJWf

— ABC News (@ABC) July 9, 2024

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