Loved ones of a missing teen found killed and dismembered near a Pennsylvania lake said "only an absolute monster" could commit such a heinous murder.
DaShawn Watkins, 29, has been charged with first-degree murder and abuse of a corpse in connection with the death of 14-year-old Paul "Pauly" Likens, Jr., Pennsylvania State Police confirmed.
Pauly vanished on a walk after leaving a friend's Sharon, Pennsylvania home the night of June 22, WFMJ-TV reported, citing the criminal complaint. His family reported him missing the next morning.
Police believe Pauly connected with his alleged killer on the Grindr dating app and the pair agreed to meet at the Shenango Lake, citing phone records and social media.
Days passed and the teen's missing person's case took a turn when dismembered human remains were found in the water. A medical examiner determined the body parts belonged to Pauly and he died from sharp force trauma to the head.
"Only an absolute monster could do something like that to anyone, let alone a child," Pauly's aunt, Liz Morsillo, told WPXI-TV Wednesday. "I hope he (Watkins) gets what he deserves."
Surveillance footage around the time of the suspected slaying allegedly captured Watkins carrying "multiple bags and garbage bags" from his area apartment, where blood was also allegedly recovered, police said, the outlet reported.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe launched to help defray funeral costs stated in part the teen "had a whole life ahead of him. No mother should have to bury their baby."
