Family Of Transgender Teen Pauly Likens Calls For Hate Crime Charges After Her Murder

The tragic story of Pauly Likens highlights the dangers and violence faced by transgender individuals in our society. At just 14 years old, Pauly's life was cut short after her dismembered remains were discovered in a Pennsylvania reservoir. This shocking incident has raised significant concern and demands for justice, as her family insists that her murder should be treated as a hate crime. With increasing awareness on the violence against the LGBTQ+ community, this case serves as a grim reminder of the challenges faced by transgender individuals.

Pauly Likens, a resident of Mercer County, Pennsylvania, went missing on the evening of June 22nd after meeting a 29-year-old man through the dating app, Grindr. Her disappearance triggered an urgent search effort by local law enforcement, family members, and community members who distributed flyers and shared information online. Unfortunately, their efforts led to a devastating discovery when authorities found dismembered human remains near the lake where Pauly was last seen.

On July 3rd, the Mercer County Coroner confirmed the remains belonged to Pauly. Pamela Ladner, president of the LGBTQIA+ Alliance Shenango Valley, expressed sorrow on behalf of Pauly's family, stating, "Our entire community mourns this loss of young life along with Pauly’s family." There is a growing call for justice, particularly for the prosecution of her murder as a hate crime, given the circumstances surrounding her death.