The neighbourhood of Mercer County, Pennsylvania, is reeling from the mournful death of Pauly Likens, a 14-year-old transgender girl whose dismembered body was found at a local reservoir.
Pauly’s family and LGBTQ+ proponents are demanding authorities treat her murder as a hate crime, stressing the pervasive violence against transgender people.
Pauly Likens went missing on June 22nd after agreeing to meet a 29-year-old man she bonded with through Grindr’s dating app.
Her sudden disappearance scintillated an ardent search effort involving local police, her family, and the community. Flyers and social media posts circulated widely as everyone hoped for her safe return.
Sadly, the search ended in heartbreak when authorities discovered human remains near a lake where Pauly was last seen.
On July 3rd, the Mercer County Coroner confirmed the remains belonged to Pauly.
Pamela Ladner, president of the LGBTQIA+ Alliance Shenango Valley, spoke on behalf of Pauly’s grieving family, voicing the deep suffering felt by all who knew her.
“Our entire community mourns this loss of young life along with Pauly’s family,” Ladner cried.
“She was taken violently, senselessly, and way too soon.”
Pauly, described by her family as loving, full of life, and selfless, enjoyed nature, shopping, and getting her nails done. She dreamed of becoming a park ranger like her aunt. Her 15th birthday would have been celebrated on July 6th.
DeShawn Watkins, the 29-year-old man Pauly met through Grindr, has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated assault, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence.
He is currently held in Mercer County Prison without bail. Despite these serious charges, Watkins has not been charged with a hate crime, a point of contention for Pauly’s family.
Ladner highlighted the family’s desire to see the crime prosecuted as a hate crime, reflecting their belief that Pauly’s transgender identity played a role in her murder.
“Mom definitely thinks it’s a hate crime. She would love to see it prosecuted as a hate crime,” Ladner informed CBS News.
Mercer County District Attorney Peter Acker clarified the state’s position, stating that the case is not currently classified as a hate crime because the accused is an admitted homosexual and the victim was transgender. However, he noted that hate crime charges could be added if future evidence supports it.
Pennsylvania’s hate crime laws, known as “ethnic intimidation,” do not explicitly cover sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity. This limitation has spurred calls for legislative reform.
Governor Josh Shapiro responded to Pauly’s death by advocating for stronger laws to protect LGBTQ+ individuals, urging that hate-based crimes against this community be treated with the same rigour as other hate crimes.
Pauly’s tragic death is a reminder of the amplified risks faced by transgender individuals.
According to Williams Institute, transgender people are four times more likely to be victims of violent crime compared to cisgender individuals.
In 2022 alone, at least 32 transgender and gender-expansive people were killed in the United States, as per Human Rights Watch.
These alarming statistics emphasise the pressing need for comprehensive protection and societal acceptance of transgender individuals.
Pauly’s death has galvanised activists and community members to push for a more comprehensive recognition and protection of transgender rights.
Pauly’s family and community are committed to honouring her memory amid the grief and calls for justice. They remember her as a vibrant and selfless person who connected with everyone she met.
Her love for nature and her ambition to become a park ranger are treasured aspects of her legacy.
