The community of Sharon, Pennsylvania, continues to grapple with the brutal murder of 14-year-old transgender girl Paul A. “Pauly” Likens Jr., as the suspect, DaShawn Watkins, 29, moves closer to trial. Daniel P. Wallace, the Common Pleas Judge for Mercer County, arraigned Watkins on Tuesday. Watkins has pleaded not guilty. The charges include first-degree murder, aggravated assault, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse involving a minor. Authorities allege that Watkins met Likens through Grindr, a social media app popular in the LGBTQ community, leading to the tragic events of June 23, 2023.
The Investigation and Evidence
In the early hours of June 23, 2023, Likens posted a Snapchat photo of a dark road, telling friends she was out for a late-night walk to clear her mind. By the next morning, she was missing. Over the following days, police used surveillance footage and cellphone data to track her movements. Video evidence shows Pauly at a canoe launch near Shenango River in Sharon, apparently waiting for someone. It was here that she encountered Watkins. Shortly after, her phone went dark, and she was never seen alive again.
The investigation revealed chilling details. Surveillance footage tracked Watkins’ vehicle to the canoe launch and later back to his residence. Video from his apartment complex shows him struggling with a large duffel bag, which appeared bloodstained. Watkins was later captured purchasing a power saw, which police later found alongside Pauly’s dismembered remains in the Shenango River Reservoir. Blood found in Watkins’ apartment and car added to the mounting forensic evidence against him.
RELATED: Tragedy in Sharon: A Community Mourns the Loss of Transgender Teen Pauly Likens
The Arraignment and Charges
For the Sharon community, which is still in shock over the crime, Watkins’ arraignment represents a significant step toward resolution. Although a trial date has not yet been set, Watkins faces multiple charges that detail the horror of Pauly’s final moments. The charges include murder in the first degree, aggravated assault, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence.
Despite pleading not guilty, Watkins has acknowledged meeting Likens through the app Grindr, though he denies any involvement in her death. The defense argues the interaction between the two was consensual, but the prosecution has built a case pointing to premeditation and violence.
Community Outrage and Support
For the family of Pauly Likens and the broader LGBTQ community, the trial is about more than justice for a horrific murder—it’s about honoring Pauly’s identity and ensuring that transgender youth are recognized and protected. Pauly’s mother, Jennifer Likens, has emphasized the importance of using her daughter’s correct name and pronouns. Early media reports that misgendered Pauly added to the family’s grief, underscoring the broader challenges transgender people face in death as in life.
Local organizations, including LGBTQIA+ Alliance Shenango Valley, have rallied in support of the Likens family. The group’s president, Pamela Ladner, described Pauly as a “selfless, loving child” who dreamed of becoming a park ranger like her aunt. Ladner has been a vocal advocate for Pauly’s memory, organizing a community vigil and advocating for justice.
“Our community is mourning with Pauly’s family,” said Ladner. “This tragic loss is a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by transgender individuals. We hope justice is served.”
The Trial and Legal Challenges
While the arraignment is a significant step, the case has raised questions about the handling of transgender hate crimes. Despite the brutality of Pauly’s murder, Mercer County District Attorney Peter C. Acker announced that Watkins would not face hate crime charges. According to Acker, Watkins’ own admission of being homosexual played a role in the decision, as did Pauly’s gender identity as a transitioning individual. This decision has sparked outrage within the transgender community and among advocates, who argue that the crime’s nature and the targeting of a vulnerable transgender teenager should warrant hate crime considerations.
“This is one of the most heinous crimes I’ve seen in my career,” said Acker, who has worked in law for over 46 years. “It’s a heartbreaking case, and the level of brutality is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
Response from the LGBTQ Community
Pauly’s murder has left a deep scar on the Sharon community, particularly among LGBTQ residents and allies, who have spoken out about the safety concerns facing transgender individuals. Sharon City Councilman Taylor Galaska, a member of the LGBTQ community, called for increased protections for transgender people, especially youth.
“This isn’t just about Pauly; it’s about the safety and protection of all transgender people,” Galaska said. “Pauly deserved to grow up, to live her life without fear of violence. Her death is a reminder that we have so much more work to do to create a safe, accepting community for everyone.”
Local organizations, such as the Shenango Valley LGBTQIA+ Alliance, have played a key role in advocating for justice and raising awareness of the violence that transgender people face. A vigil held in July drew hundreds of community members, who gathered to mourn Pauly and call for change. At the vigil, speakers highlighted the need for broader societal acceptance and the importance of recognizing and protecting transgender lives.
Ongoing Investigation
Despite the arraignment, some aspects of the investigation into Pauly’s murder remain unresolved. Authorities are still searching for additional remains, and new evidence could emerge as the trial approaches. “These investigations are never closed until there’s a conviction or an acquittal,” Acker said. “It’s a constantly evolving, always changing investigation, and as additional facts come out, we consider them.”
For the Likens family, the trial and ongoing investigation are part of a longer journey toward justice. While Watkins has been charged, the family continues to navigate their grief and the complexities of losing a child in such a horrific manner.
Community Support and Calls for Action
In the aftermath of Pauly’s death, local schools have ramped up counseling services to support students affected by the tragedy. Community members have also contributed to a GoFundMe campaign for Pauly’s family, which has raised more than $21,000 to cover funeral costs and other expenses. The outpouring of support has brought some solace to Pauly’s mother and extended family, who have expressed gratitude for the generosity of both friends and strangers.
The broader LGBTQ community continues to call for action, both locally and nationally, to protect transgender individuals from violence and discrimination. Galaska and other advocates have emphasized the importance of education and legal protections to prevent future tragedies. “We need to take care of each other,” Ladner said. “Pauly’s life mattered, and we must continue to fight for a world where transgender kids like her can grow up safe and loved.”
The Bottom Line
As Watkins awaits trial, the Sharon community prepares for what promises to be a long and emotionally charged legal process. For Pauly’s family and the LGBTQ community, justice for Pauly is only the beginning. The tragedy of her death has ignited a renewed commitment to ensuring the safety and protection of transgender youth, while shining a light on the broader challenges facing the transgender community.
“Pauly was full of life, and she deserved better,” said Galaska. “We owe it to her memory to keep fighting, to make sure her death isn’t in vain.”
Though the trial date has not yet been set, the Sharon community remains steadfast in its demand for justice and its commitment to supporting the transgender community in the wake of this unspeakable tragedy. As the case unfolds, Pauly’s memory will continue to inspire advocacy, compassion, and calls for greater acceptance and understanding of transgender individuals everywhere.
