A suspect is facing serious charges after the remains of a transgender teen who had been missing in Pennsylvania since late June were discovered in a lake, according to a criminal complaint.
The suspect, Dashawn Watkins, 29, has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated assault, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence in connection with the death of 14-year-old Pauly Likens of Sharon, Pennsylvania, as stated in a complaint filed in Mercer County District Court.
If convicted, Watkins could potentially face the death penalty or life in prison under Pennsylvania state law.
Mercer County District Attorney Peter C. Acker mentioned that investigators have not found evidence suggesting that Pauly's murder was a hate crime, but they are not ruling out the possibility. Authorities are open to investigating any evidence that may indicate a hate crime.
Pauly's relatives had been searching for the teen when dismembered human remains were found in and near the Shenango River Lake in Mercer County. Mercer County Coroner John A. Libonati confirmed that the remains belonged to Likens and determined the cause of death to be sharp force trauma to the head, ruling it a homicide.
Pauly, described as a selfless and loving child who enjoyed nature, getting her nails done, and shopping, was last seen walking home on June 22 after leaving a friend's house. Video surveillance showed a person resembling Pauly near a canoe launch along the Shenango River, with a vehicle arriving and leaving the area around the same time on June 23.
Watkins was seen in video footage carrying a duffel bag that appeared empty and later heavy and awkward. Blood stains were found in areas where Watkins had rested the bag, and traces of blood, a saw, and a receipt for the purchase of the tool were discovered in his apartment.
A candlelight vigil for Pauly is scheduled in Sharon, where she is remembered for her willingness to help others, love of animals, and contagious laughter.
