In Mercer County, Pennsylvania, residents are demanding that the killing and dismembering of a transgender teenager be prosecuted as a hate crime. The tragic death of Pauly Likens, a 14-year-old transgender girl, has deeply affected the community.

The accused, DaShawn Watkins, 29, allegedly met Likens on a dating app before the incident occurred. While Watkins identified himself as gay and admitted to having a sexual relationship with Likens, opinions on whether the crime should be considered a hate crime are divided.

Pamela Ladner, president of the LGBTQIA+ Alliance Shenango Valley, expressed the fear that such an incident could occur in their own backyard. Ladner believes that Likens' mother considers it a hate crime and hopes for a prosecution on those grounds.

Mercer County District Attorney Peter Acker has stated that, according to Pennsylvania State Police, they do not believe this is a hate crime due to the fact that the defendant is openly gay while the victim was undergoing transitioning. However, Acker acknowledges that it is still early in the investigation and additional charges, such as ethnic intimidation, could be added if the evidence supports it.

Ladner also commented on the possibility of members within the LGBTQIA+ community having a dislike for gender-diverse individuals, leading to alienation. She emphasized that while not all LGBTQIA+ members may share this sentiment, it is plausible that some do feel ostracized.

Governor Josh Shapiro has expressed his support for the Likens family, affirming their need for justice. He has called for stronger legislation in Pennsylvania to address hate-based crimes against the LGBTQ+ community, urging lawmakers to send him a bill that he will gladly sign.

In remembrance of Pauly Likens, a vigil is set to take place on Saturday at 7 p.m. outside the LGBTQIA+ Alliance Shenango Valley. The community stands together in mourning and demanding justice for the loss of this young life.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Pauly Likens is ongoing, as law enforcement officials work towards unraveling the details of this devastating crime.