"As a mom, I don't think I could do it."

Pamela Ladner is still trying to fit the pieces together.

The Sharon community is remaining without words as details unfold about the gruesome and bizarre death of 14-year-old Paul Likens Jr., also known as "Pauly." The Mercer County Coroner's press release says Likens was killed due to sharp force trauma to the head in a manner ruled homicide.

Likens had been reported missing on June 25 after the victim had not been seen since June 22. Ladner had been following the investigation closely.

"I was like 'I hope I'm wrong'," Ladner said.

On the same day, Pennsylvania State Police revealed in a release that human remains were found in Shenango Lake. Upon further investigation, more body parts were found in the surrounding area, in and partially in the water of the lake. The coroner identified the parts belonging to Likens.

Investigators say on June 23 the victim walked to the area near the Budd Street Public Park and Canoe Launch, with surveillance video indicating the victim appeared to be on the phone and waiting for someone.

Reports claiming cell phone and social media records, along with surveillance video of a suspicious vehicle, led police to a suspect.

Police arrested the suspect Dashawn Watkins, a resident at Riverwalk Apartments near the canoe launch, who is accused of first degree murder, aggravated assault, tampering with physical evidence, and abusing a corpse.

Police say video surveillance footage from June 24 at the apartment depicted Watkins struggling to carry a large duffel bag, making several trips with multiple bags and garbage bags. Investigators discovered positive preliminary blood tests, resulting in multiple locations, including underneath Watkin's bathroom flooring.

Watkins, 29, is being held in the Mercer County Jail without bond.

"Pauly was like a gentle soul and was the kindest kid and loved nature," Pamela said. "[The] aunt said that Pauly wanted to be a park ranger like her."

Ladner, who has her own gender diverse child, tells Erie News Now that Pauly identified as a transgender female, and as the president of the LGBTQIA+ Alliance Shenango Valley, the organization is stepping up to help host a vigil on Saturday, July 13 at 7 p.m.

It will hosted at 87 Stambaugh Avenue, Lower Level in Sharon, Pa.

"[The] sad truth is it can happen anywhere at any time," Ladner said.

A link to Pauly Liken's GoFundMe page for funeral expenses can be found here.