A Mercer County judge has denied a request to move the trial in the brutal killing of 14-year-old transgender teen Pauly Likens, ruling that there is no sufficient reason to believe a fair trial cannot be held locally.
Judge Daniel Wallace issued the decision on Friday, rejecting the motion filed by defense attorneys for the accused, DaShawn Watkins. The defense argued that intense media attention surrounding the case made it impossible to seat an impartial jury in Mercer County. The court, however, found that coverage of the case had not been pervasive enough to meet the legal threshold for relocation. Wallace noted that while the case drew significant public interest when Likens was first reported missing and later confirmed deceased, the intensity of that attention has since cooled.
The ruling leaves open the possibility that the defense could renew its request if media coverage increases in the months leading up to trial. For now, proceedings are set to begin on January 13, 2026.
Pauly Likens was reported missing in June 2024. Her dismembered remains were later discovered in and around Shenango Reservoir, sending shockwaves through both the Sharon community and across Pennsylvania. Police soon identified Watkins as the suspect and charged him with first-degree murder, aggravated assault, abuse of a corpse, and evidence tampering. The horrific details of the case sparked national attention, with advocates calling for justice not only for Pauly but for all transgender youth facing rising violence across the country.
For Pauly’s family, the court’s decision represents another step in a long and painful process toward accountability. They have remained largely private, but community members have continued to hold vigils, share memories, and speak out against the broader pattern of violence that transgender people endure. Local residents have described Pauly as bright, curious, and full of potential, a young person whose life should have been protected.
The ruling also underscores the delicate balance between ensuring a fair trial and acknowledging the community’s demand for justice. Holding the trial in Mercer County keeps the proceedings close to where the tragedy occurred, something many local residents believe is important. At the same time, concerns remain about potential bias, given the emotional nature of the crime and the visibility of the case.
The transgender community has watched the case closely, not only because of the brutality involved but also because of what it represents. Pauly’s death came during a year marked by increasing attacks on trans rights and visibility, and her story has become a reminder of how urgent it is to protect young people who live at the intersections of vulnerability and courage.
As the trial date approaches, the Likens family and advocates across the nation continue to call for respectful coverage, transparency, and justice. For them, this is not just another case. It is a fight to ensure that Pauly’s name is remembered not for the violence she suffered, but for the life that was taken from her far too soon.
