Pennsylvania man arrested after 14-year-old's remains found in lake

Warning: This article contains graphic content that some readers may find disturbing.

MERCER COUNTY, Pa. (WJET/WFXP) — A 14-year-old boy who went missing in Sharon, Pennsylvania, on June 22 has been found dead.

According to Pennsylvania State Police in Mercer, the Hermitage Police Department responded to a call on June 25 in the Shengao Lake area of ​​Clark Borough.

Upon arrival, officers located and recovered dismembered human remains that were located in the water and partially submerged in the water. At this point, Hermitage Police turned the investigation over to PSP Mercer.

Over the next week, police combed the area and discovered human remains in various isolated locations around Shenango Lake. On July 3, the Mercer County coroner confirmed that the remains matched those of Paul Likens, Jr., 14, of Sharon, Pennsylvania.

The Mercer County coroner determined the cause of death to be “blunt head trauma” and the manner of death to be homicide.

During the investigation, police used the victim's cell phone data, social media records and surveillance video. That information revealed that the victim arrived at the Budd Street Public Park and Canoe Lunch and stayed there for about 40 minutes. Likens then appeared to make a phone call and police said he was waiting for someone.

Police identified the suspect vehicle, followed it to the Riverwalk Apartments and observed a man whose movements were consistent with the vehicle in question. Police identified the suspect as DaShawn Watkins, 29, of Sharon, Pennsylvania.

Upon his return, Watkins was seen struggling to carry a large duffel bag back to his apartment. The next day, Watkins was seen leaving his apartment multiple times with multiple bags and trash bags.

After investigating Watkins' apartment, preliminary blood tests revealed that blood was present in several locations throughout the apartment, including under the bathroom floor.

DaShawn Watkins has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated assault, abuse of a corpse and tampering with/fabricating physical evidence.

He is being held in the Mercer County Jail and, due to the nature of the crime, is being held without bail.

Watkins' preliminary hearing is set for July 17 at 10 a.m.

State Police are requesting any information regarding the circumstances surrounding Paul Likens Jr.'s initial disappearance or any information that may be relevant to the investigation. Any information should be reported to the Pennsylvania State Police at (724) 662-6162.