Father Reveals What He Told Transgender Child Before They Were Murdered By Grindr Predator

A grieving father has revealed the last words he told his 14-year-old transgender child before they were killed and dismembered by a predator they met on Grindr.

Paul Likens Sr. told WKBN News that he made a call to Pauly Likens, Jr. after he got a "gut feeling" that something was wrong. Pauly reportedly vanished on June 24.

Likens said he left a voice note saying, "I love you and I'll give you a call when I get home Monday after work," However, the call went straight to voicemail.

Investigators do not know if Pauly was able to listen to their father's voice message, and on June 29 their dismembered remains were found at the Shenango River Reservoir near their home near their home in Sharon, Pennsylvania.

The man who Pauly met, DeShawn Watkins, was nearly twice their age, and he told investigators that they began chatting on Grindr before meeting to have sex. Grindr warns users that they must be at least 18 to use the app.

Pauly reportedly told their father that they were staying at a friend's house on June 22. However the teen reportedly left their friend's home around 9:30 p.m. and started walking home and never made it.

In Watkins' apartment, blood was found in multiple areas, and investigating police also reportedly found a receipt showing that Watkins recently purchased tools and a saw.

Given this evidence, Watkins was arrested in connection with Pauly's murder. The charges he faces includes first-degree murder, aggravated assault with attempts to cause serious bodily injury with extreme indifference, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence.

Pauly's father said he has been relying on the support of friends and his faith to get him through this tragic ordeal.

"I sit with God, so God's got my back. He's been holding me up, making sure I don't fall and I'm going to make it," he said.

Watkins is being held in the Mercer County Jail without bond.