Mercer, PA — In a small Pennsylvania town, a murder case involving a young transgender teen named Pauly Likens Jr. has sparked complex debates over identity and led to calls for justice. The tragic event unfolded in Sharon, where the 14-year-old’s life was brutally cut short. On Thursday, a nearly five-hour long preliminary hearing highlighted the gravity of the case but left many questions unanswered about the events leading to Pauly’s death.
The hearing concluded with District Judge Travis Martwinski ruling that DaShawn Watkins, a 29-year-old local man, would face trial. Watkins faces charges of first-degree murder, abuse of a corpse, and several other allegations including aggravated assault and tampering with evidence in the teen’s death and dismemberment.
During the proceedings, Assistant District Attorney Kendra Strobel, put forward additional charges, including a general count of murder and a felony count related to the young age of the victim. The adjustment to Watkins’ charges came as prosecutors aimed to address the complexity of the crime involving a minor.
The prosecution’s first witness, Mercer County Coroner John Libonati, detailed the cause of Pauly’s death: six sharp-force trauma wounds to the head and neck. Pennsylvania state troopers also took the stand, yet were unable to provide insights into the motive behind the heinous act. The courtroom setting was tense, filled with law enforcement officials, media representatives, and emotionally wrought family members and friends of the victim.
Outside the courthouse, emotional tensions ran high among family members and gathered communities, reflecting disputes concerning Pauly’s gender identity. Despite reports from local advocacy groups and friends affirming Pauly’s transgender identity, some family members publicly contested this characterization.
Pam Ladner, president of the Shenango Valley LGBTQIA+ Alliance, stressed that community acknowledgment and respectful recognition of Pauly’s chosen identity are crucial. Ladner, who had spoken with Pauly’s mother and other relatives, expressed firm support for honoring the teen’s identity as she understood it.
Contrasting this view, Pauly’s father, Paul Likens Sr., refuted claims of his child’s transgender identity, fiercely maintaining a narrative of his son. This familial division underscores a broader societal debate on gender identity and acceptance.
During the court recesses, heated discussions spilled outside, with the grieving family split on how best to honor Pauly’s memory. The court, cautioned by Judge Martwinski, called for decorum within and outside the courtroom amid the emotional proceedings.
As detectives explained, the investigation into Pauly’s mysterious disappearance and eventual murder pivoted on digital evidence, including cell phone tracking and surveillance footage capturing Pauly’s last known movements. However, specific interactions between Watkins and Pauly remained unconfirmed as footage from a local canoe launch showed Watkins’ vehicle but not the victim leaving the scene.
John Craig, another detective on the case, discussed diverse accounts provided by Watkins during a subsequent interview, noting inconsistencies and fabrications particularly regarding an alleged encounter at the canoe launch.
With the preliminary examination complete, Watkins, represented by public defender Vincent Nudi, maintained his innocence. Nudi challenged the prosecution’s reliance on the surveillance footage and sought dismissal of the charges citing a lack of direct evidence, a request firmly denied by the court.
As the case proceeds toward a formal arraignment set for Sept. 24, the Sharon community and Pauly’s family continue grappling with the profound impacts of the crime, debating issues of identity, justice, and remembrance in a polarized social landscape. Meanwhile, the case remains a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by transgender youth amid ongoing societal debates regarding gender and identity rights.