Pa. Gov. speaks on hate crimes after death of Sharon teen

NEW CASTLE, Pa. (WKBN) — In the wake of the brutal murder of a teenager from Sharon, Pennsylvania’s Governor says he’s been pushing for years for tougher laws covering the state’s ethnic intimidation laws — also known as hate crimes.

In New Castle Wednesday, Josh Shapiro offered prayers and sympathies for the family of 14-year-old Pauly Likens . Authorities said the victim was killed and dismembered in June and the remains were scattered near the Shenango Reservoir.

Shapiro said there is nothing worse than for a parent to lose a child. He said current laws need to be updated to include gender identity and sexual orientation — which he said would be in keeping with the vision of Pennsylvania’s founder, William Penn.

“Now he might not have ever envisioned a scenario like what transpired here in Pennsylvania, but he certainly tried to build a commonwealth that was warm and welcoming for all,” Shapiro said. “A place that would be tolerant. A place where all people would be respected. A place where everyone would feel welcome and safe.”

The Governor says a lot more work needs to be done but thinks one step would be to strengthen the state’s hate crimes laws to better protect all Pennsylvanians.

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