Pauly Likens, a 14-year-old transgender girl, was tragically murdered and dismembered after meeting a 29-year-old man -DaShawn Watkins through the dating app Grindr.
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| Pauly Likens ( LGBTQIA+ Alliance Shenango Valley on behalf of Likens family) |
Pauly went missing on June 22, 2024, and her dismembered remains were discovered around Shenango River Lake by police and community members during an extensive search. The Mercer County Coroner confirmed her identity on July 3rd and ruled her death as homicide due to sharp force trauma to the head.
Watkins has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated assault, tampering with evidence, and abuse of a corpse. He is currently held in Mercer County Prison without bail. Despite these charges, Watkins has not been charged with a hate crime.
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| Dashawn Dale Depree Watkins - Mercer County Prison |
Mercer County District Attorney Peter Acker stated, “It’s not a hate crime because the alleged perpetrator was an admitted homosexual and the victim was transgender or transitioning.” However, Pauly’s family, supported by local LGBTQ+ organizations, argues that her murder should be prosecuted as a hate crime.
Pamela Ladner, president of LGBTQIA+ Alliance Shenango Valley, spoke on behalf of Pauly’s family, expressing their grief and calling for justice. She stated, “Our entire community mourns this loss of young life along with Pauly’s family. She was taken violently, senselessly, and way too soon.” Ladner pointed out the family's hope that the crime will be prosecuted as a hate crime, adding, "Mom definitely thinks it’s a hate crime. She would love to see it prosecuted as a hate crime."
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| Pauly Likens ( LGBTQIA+ Alliance Shenango Valley on behalf of Likens family) |
Governor Josh Shapiro highlighted the need to strengthen Pennsylvania's laws to treat hate-based crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals equally to other hate crimes. Currently, Pennsylvania's hate crime laws, referred to as "ethnic intimidation," do not specifically cover sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity. However, federal laws do provide protection based on these characteristics.
Pauly’s death serves as a reminder of the violence faced by transgender individuals, who are four times more likely to be victims of violent crime than their cisgender counterparts. In 2023, at least 32 transgender and gender-expansive individuals were killed in the United States, according to Human Rights Watch.
Pauly’s family described her as “loving, full of life, and selfless,” with dreams of becoming a park ranger like her aunt. They shared that she loved nature, getting her nails done, and shopping. Pauly would have turned 15 on July 6. The community continues to mourn her loss and advocate for justice in her name.