Pauly Likens Jr. dies in fatal Mercer County homicide
Fatal Mercer County homicide death of Pauly Likens Jr. – Obituary
Pauly Likens Jr., 14, was found dead near Shenango River Lake, north of Sharon, Pennsylvania, after suffering sharp force trauma to the head and neck. Authorities ruled the case a homicide.
DaShawn Watkins, a 30-year-old man from Sharon, has been charged in connection with Pauly’s death. He is facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder, abuse of a corpse, aggravated assault, and tampering with evidence. Additional charges include involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and a general murder charge, which could lead to a lesser conviction.
Watkins’ trial is scheduled to begin on July 8 in Mercer County, just over a year after Pauly’s remains were discovered. The prosecution is not seeking the death penalty, but a conviction for first-degree murder would result in a mandatory life sentence.
According to investigators, Pauly met Watkins through the social networking app Grindr. Security footage showed both entering a boat launch area separately, but only Watkins was seen leaving. Additional footage from his apartment building captured him carrying a heavy black duffel bag.
Discussions surrounding Pauly’s identity have arisen, with some family members asserting that Pauly identified as a transgender female, while others, including Pauly’s father, disagree.
Watkins remains in Mercer County Jail without bond as the case moves toward trial.
