A Mercer County man was arrested after the remains of a 14-year-old were found in a lake

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

Mercer County, Pennsylvania (WJET/WFXP) – A 14-year-old who went missing in Sharon, Pennsylvania on June 22 has been found dead.

According to the Pennsylvania State Police in Mercer, the Hermitage Police Department responded to a 911 call from the Shengao Lake area in Clark Borough on June 25.

Upon arrival, police found and recovered dismembered human remains 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 several remote locations around Shenango Lake. On July 3, the Mercer County Coroner confirmed that the remains matched those of 14-year-old Paul Likens Jr. of Sharon, Pennsylvania.

The Mercer County Coroner concluded that the cause of death was “sharp blunt force trauma to the head” and the manner of death was homicide.

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

Police identified the suspect’s vehicle, tracked it to the Riverwalk Apartments, and observed a man whose movements matched the suspect vehicle. Police identified the suspect as 29-year-old DaShawn Watkins of Sharon, PA.

After his return, Watkins was seen struggling to carry a large duffel bag as he returned to his apartment. The next day, Watkins was seen leaving his apartment multiple times with multiple bags and garbage bags.

When Watkins’ apartment was examined, preliminary blood tests revealed the presence of blood in several locations in the apartment, including under the bathroom floor.

DaShawn Watkins was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated assault, desecration of a corpse, and tampering with/falsifying evidence.

He is being held in the Mercer County Jail and due to the nature of the crime, he is not eligible for bail.

Watkins’ preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 17 at 10 a.m.