Grieving father reveals his last words to transgender child, 14, before they was murdered and dismembered by predator they met on Grindr

A grieving father has revealed his last words to his transgender 14 year-old who was killed and dismembered by a man they met on hook-up app Grindr.

Paul Likens Sr. told Pauly Likens, Jr: 'I love you and I'll give you a call when I get home Monday after work,' but the call went straight to voicemail, WKBN News reported. 

It is unclear if Pauly who was from Sharon in Pennsylvania and used they/them pronouns, was able to listen to it before their murder. 

Paul says he made the call after getting a 'gut feeling' that something was wrong after Pauly vanished June 25. He began searching for Pauly and his worst fears were confirmed June 29 when Pauly's dismembered remains were found at the Shenango River Reservoir near her home. 

14-year-old child Paul 'Pauly' Likens, Jr. had met a man nearly twice his age on the Grindr app and was found dismemebered and murdered

Suspect DeShawn Watkins, 29, is said to have told police that he began chatting with Pauly on Grindr before meeting and having sex. 

Pauly was two years under the age of consent for Pennsylvania, while Grindr warns users must be 18 or older to use the app, which is primarily aimed at gay men looking for sex.

A search warrant was later executed at Watkins apartment, blood was found in different areas - including under the bathroom floor, it is claimed. Also discovered was a receipt showing the purchase of tools, and a saw. One of the blades of the saw was missing, it is alleged. 

Watkins was arrested in connection with the teen's murder. He faces charges of first-degree murder, aggravated assault with attempts to cause serious bodily injury with extreme indifference, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence. 

DeShawn Watkins, 29, was arrested in connection with the teens murder. He faces charges of first-degree murder, aggravated assault with attempts to cause serious bodily injury with extreme indifference, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence

Likens Sr. last spoke to Pauly on June 22, who told him he was staying the night at a friends house, 21WFMJ News reported.

The friend who was interviewed on June 26 told officials that Pauly left her home around 9.30pm and started walking home. 

Around 2.30pm, the friend said Pauly posted a picture on Snapchat saying that they on a late-night walk to clear their mind, as per the news outlet.

When they messaged Pauly to check on them, Pauly responded and said they were 'okay,' but her messages to Liken that she continued to send went unanswered

Investigators found information including video surveillance, cell service and social media messages that showed that the teen had been in an area of Budd Street and Public Park and Canoe Launch for approximately 40 minutes between the hours of 3 and 3.40am on June 23. 

Likens father is relying on the support of friends and his faith to get him through 

A person matching the description of Watkins was found walking on their cell phone in that area. Surveillance video picked up a car driving to Riverwalk Apartments. 

On June 24, additional footage showed Watkins walking out of the apartment  carrying a large duffel bag, and making additional trips that show him carrying garbage bags.

When Watkins was arrested on the evening on July 2, he had a cut on his hand that needed stitches. 

He is currently being held in the Mercer County Jail without bond.

Pauly's father is relying on the support of friends and his faith to get him through.

 '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.