A guy from Pennsylvania is being accused by the authorities of being responsible for the death of a transgender teenager who was discovered dismembered.
Pauly Likens was last seen on June 22, according to a news statement issued by the Pennsylvania State Police at the time. In the latter part of that week, “various dismembered human remains,” which were later determined to be Pauly’s, were discovered dispersed over Shenango Lake, according to the police. According to the Mercer County Coroner, the remains were identified.
On June 24, DaShawn Watkins was taken into custody after the police asserted that he was seen on surveillance camera carrying a large duffle bag and allegedly making multiple excursions into and out of his residence with a variety of goods. Based on the allegations made by the police, blood was discovered in Watkins’ apartment, including beneath the floor of the bathroom.
According to the documents filed with the court, Watkins was charged with first-degree murder, as well as aggravated assault, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence. The information regarding whether or not he has hired an attorney or filed a plea is not immediately available.
According to TribLive, WTAE, and WPXI, Pam Ladner, who is a member of the LGBTQIA+ Alliance Shenango Valley, was notified by the victim’s mother that Pauly was a transgender female.
Despite the fact that the Pennsylvania Youth Congress, a statewide LGBTQ organization, has urged on local and federal authorities to examine the potential of pursuing hate crime charges against Watkins, the authorities have not stated whether or not they believe that the killing of Pauly was a hate crime.
One of Pauly’s mother’s friends began a GoFundMe campaign, which has since generated more than $22,000.
Pauly was just 14 years old and had a complete life ahead of her, according to the organizer who wrote the statement. When the infant passed away unexpectedly, the family was not financially prepared to cover the costs of the funeral. No mother should have to go through the experience of burying their child.
An internet obituary states that Pauly was a player of video games and had a deep affection for animals. Her parents and two siblings are the only ones who will remember her.
In the obituary, it is stated that “Pauly lit up every room she entered, always making people smile and passing around her infectious laughter.” “Pauly was a selfless person who never missed an opportunity to assist other people and lend a helping hand whenever she could. Even though she was still a little child, she gave her spare change to the veterans’ booth found outside of Walmart PEOPLE reported.