Man Accused of Driving Partner to Suicide Denies Abuse in Court Testimony

Ryan Wellings faces manslaughter charges following the death of Kiena Dawes, who left a suicide note blaming him for her death.

Ryan Wellings, 30, is on trial for the manslaughter of his partner, Kiena Dawes, 23, who died by suicide in July 2022 after leaving a note accusing him of abuse.
Prosecutors allege Wellings engaged in coercive and controlling behavior, as well as physical abuse, during their two-year relationship.
Shortly after being charged, Wellings posted a Facebook video blaming Dawes's mother for her death, which prosecutors argue was an act of intimidation.
Wellings denies the allegations, claiming any injuries to Dawes were unintentional and occurred while he was restraining her, and he denies responsibility for her death.
Jurors were shown evidence of Dawes's injuries and text messages in which she accused Wellings of abuse, as well as testimony about the couple's tumultuous relationship.