The Mercer County community in Western Pennsylvania has been left reeling following the horrifying murder of Pauly Likens, a 14-year-old transgender girl. Likens was reported missing on June 25, 2024, with her dismembered remains later identified, as per NBC News. The suspect, 29-year-old DaShawn Watkins, faces charges including first-degree murder and abuse of a corpse. Advocates and the victim's family are urging authorities to prosecute the killing as a hate crime, a sentiment that has been echoed by the LGBTQIA+ community.
In a statement obtained by CBS News, Pamela Ladner, president of the LGBTQIA+ Alliance Shenango Valley, said, "To have something like that happen in your own backyard is pretty scary." Mercer County District Attorney Peter Acker indicated that the Pennsylvania State Police do not currently view this case as a hate crime, citing the suspect's openness about his sexuality and the victim's transition. Watkins, who had reportedly met Likens through a dating app, has yet to enter a plea and has been denied bail, with a court appearance scheduled for July 17, 2024.
According to 6abc, surveillance evidence and social media records have helped law enforcement piece together the events leading to Likens' death. Her father, in a statement recorded by the publication, said, "The world lost a little shine, the day Pauly was taken from us." Instead of celebrating her birthday, the family now faces the grisly task of planning a funeral.
As officials continue their investigations, Governor Josh Shapiro has shown support for Likens' family and has also been advocating for legislation that would ensure hate-based crimes against members of the LGBTQ community are prosecuted with the same gravity as other hate crimes. While the call for hate crime charges in this case grows louder, echoed by activists and loved ones alike, the final decision rests with the authorities overseeing this poignant and troubling case, as reported by CBS News.
