Wednesday could have been the day when we learned if a Sharon man would go on trial or enter a plea on allegations that he killed and dismembered a transgender teen. However, Mercer County Common Pleas Judge Daniel Wallace granted a continuance of a “Call of the List” proceeding that had been scheduled at 1:30 p.m. for DaShawn Watkins, who turns 30 this week.

Watkins, who has been held in the Mercer County Jail without bond since his arrest, faces several charges, including first-degree murder, criminal homicide, aggravated assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a person under 16, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence. No further hearings have yet been scheduled for him.

Watkins is accused of the murder of Pauly Likens Jr., a transgender 14-year-old from Sharon who was reported missing three days after his disappearance on June 22.

Police found human remains, later identified as those of Likens, around Shenango River Lake.

Security camera footage reportedly shows Watkins leaving his apartment several times, carrying garbage bags and other items.

Investigators pieced together additional details from Likens' cellular service provider, social media records, and surveillance video showing that Likens had walked to the Budd Street Public Park and Canoe Launch area, where she stayed between 3 and 3:40 a.m. on June 23.

Mercer County Coroner John Libonati testified that Likens' death was caused by sharp force trauma to the head and neck, with wounds found on her ear, head, and neck.