Sharon man charged with first-degree murder in killing, dismembering teen

A Sharon man has been charged with killing and dismembering a missing 14-year-old boy.

State police have charged DaShawn Watkins, 29, of Sharon, with first-degree murder and abuse of a corpse in connection with the death of Paul Likens Jr., who was initially reported missing June 25 and believed to have been missing since June 22.

Later that day, Hermitage police were called to an area of ​​Shenango Lake in Clark, where they found dismembered human remains. Over the next week, more dismembered remains were discovered around the lake.

The Mercer County Coroner's Office concluded that Likens' death was the result of head trauma caused by a stab wound.

Information obtained from Likens’ cellphone showed he walked to the Budd Street public park and canoe launch around 3 a.m. on June 23, police said. Multiple surveillance videos showed Likens, who appeared to be on his phone and waiting for someone, according to court records.

Several of these videos were used by police to identify a vehicle in the area where Likens was located.

A video shows a man later identified as Watkins entering and exiting the Riverwalk Apartments. In one of the videos, he struggles to carry a large duffel bag, according to a criminal complaint.

On June 24, a video showed Watkins repeatedly leaving his apartment with a series of gym bags and trash bags. A preliminary test revealed blood in several locations throughout Watkins' apartment, including under the bathroom floor.

Watkins was ordered held without bail after being charged with first-degree murder, abuse of a corpse, aggravated assault and tampering with evidence. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 17 in District Judge Travis Martwinski's courtroom in Sharon.