The police in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, have charged Dashawn Watkins with the first-degree murder of teenager Pauly Likens, whose dismembered remains were found alongside the Shenango River Lake.
The 14-year-old Pauly, who identified as a transgender girl, was last seen walking home from a friend’s house on the night of June 22. Hermitage Police Department responded to a call of body parts found by the lake on June 25.
The cops have now charged 29-year-old Watkins with first-degree murder, aggravated assault, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence. Under Pennsylvania law, the suspect could be facing the death penalty or life in prison.
The investigators suspect that Watkins may have lured Pauly into a wooded area after contacting her through the dating app Grindr. The Mercer County coroner concluded that the teen was killed by a blunt force trauma to the head.
The police have not yet determined if this was a hate crime.
Surveillance footage at the lake showed Pauly arriving at a canoe launch, and the same cameras saw a car arriving and leaving the area.
Police claim evidence mounted against Dashawn Watkins in Pauly Likens murder
According to the police, cameras captured Watkins leaving a nearby apartment complex with a large empty duffel bag and later allegedly spotting him returning with a “heavy and awkward” duffel bag. The time span reportedly matched Pauly’s movements at the lake.
Watch the Latest on our YouTube ChannelThe cops say they found blood stains at a spot in the hallway where he was seen resting the duffel bag on the floor. A search of his apartment revealed more bloodstains and a recently purchased saw.
Watkins has allegedly admitted to meeting someone who matched Pauly’s description through a dating app, but he said he didn’t remember where they went. He said he brought the duffel bag inside from his car following a recent vacation.
Pauly Likens family speaks out following Dashawn Watkins arrest
On Thursday, the President of LGBTQIA+ Alliance Shenango Valley, Pamela Ladner, spoke to the press on behalf of the family members, calling Pauly “a selfless, loving child who loved nature, getting her nails done, and shopping.”
Ladner added, “She aspired to be a park ranger like her Aunt Liz. Our community is mourning with Pauly’s family at this tragic loss of young life. We are hoping justice is served.”
Pauly’s father, Paul Likens, spoke earlier this week about searching the woods for his child. Likens, who refers to Pauly as his son, said, “I need to find out where my son passed from this world. I’ve always come through here so I can be closer to Pauly.”
Likens added, “The world lost a little shine the day Pauly was taken from us.”
Donations can be made to Pauly’s family at a GoFundMe page.
Pauly was due to celebrate her 15th birthday last Sunday, but instead, her family is planning a funeral.
Watkins has not entered a plea, and he was denied bail. He is scheduled to appear in court on July 17.