The Mercer County Coroner has officially identified the remains found in the Golden Run Wildlife Area as those of a missing 14-year-old boy from Sharon, Paul "Pauly" Likens, Jr.
The identification was confirmed through careful forensic comparison and evaluation during the recovery process.
Based on a detailed forensic autopsy and further studies, it was determined that Pauly died from sharp force trauma to the head, classifying his death as a homicide.
On June 25, at 2:31 p.m., the Sharon Police Department received a report about Pauly's disappearance.
That same day, the Hermitage police responded to the Shenango River Reservoir in Clark Borough, where they discovered dismembered human remains in and around the water.
In the following week, more dismembered remains were located in the vicinity of the Shenango River Reservoir.
A forensic pathologist concluded that the victim had been dismembered using a cutting instrument.
Pauly's Disappearance
The last known contact with Pauly was on the evening of June 22, between 9 and 9:30 p.m.
According to a criminal complaint, Pauly told his father he was staying at a friend's house for the night.
However, Pauly’s family did not hear from him after the early hours of June 23.
On June 26, a friend of Pauly's mentioned that he had been at her home until about 9:30 p.m. on June 22.
Later that night, Pauly posted a picture on Snapchat around 2:30 a.m., indicating he was on a late-night walk to clear his mind.
When the friend inquired about his well-being, Pauly responded once, claiming he was okay, but did not reply to further messages.
Records from Pauly’s cellular service provider, social media accounts, and surveillance footage revealed that he walked to Budd Street Public Park and Canoe Launch on June 23, between 3 and 3:40 a.m.
His cell phone was turned off at approximately 3:40 a.m. that same morning.
Surveillance footage from nearby businesses and homes showed someone matching Pauly's description walking in the area, appearing to wait or meet someone.
No other pedestrians were observed in the vicinity at that time.
Police utilized video surveillance from around the canoe launch to identify a suspect vehicle traveling to the Riverwalk Apartments.
Footage from the apartment complex showed DaShawn Watkins, the suspect, leaving and returning with a large duffel bag.
Blood traces were found along his route back to the apartment.
On June 24, Watkins was seen leaving his apartment multiple times, carrying garbage bags and other items.
He was arrested on July 2 at around 7:15 p.m., with a noticeable cut on his hand that required stitches.
During questioning, Watkins told investigators he met someone through the Grindr app and had sexual contact with this person at a location on E Broadway Avenue.
Initially, he denied meeting anyone at the Canoe Launch but later admitted his car might have been there.
On July 2, search warrants were executed at Watkins' apartment, revealing blood traces at various locations, including under the bathroom flooring.
A receipt dated June 23 was found, showing the purchase of a saw with exchangeable blades.
This saw was later found at the crime scene, missing one blade.
DaShawn Watkins is being held in the Mercer County Jail without bond, facing serious charges including first-degree murder, aggravated assault with extreme indifference, abuse of a corpse, and evidence tampering.
The investigation continues as authorities seek justice for young Pauly Likens.
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