Trial Examines Alleged Abuse Leading to Young Mother's Death

Kiena Dawes left a note accusing her ex-boyfriend of abuse before her 2022 death; Ryan Wellings denies charges of manslaughter and coercive behavior.

Kiena Dawes, a 23-year-old mother, died in 2022 after leaving a suicide note accusing her ex-boyfriend, Ryan Wellings, of abuse and claiming he 'murdered' her.
Prosecutors allege Wellings subjected Dawes to years of controlling, coercive, and violent behavior, which they argue contributed to her death.
The court heard that Dawes had been diagnosed with an emotionally unstable personality disorder, which prosecutors claim Wellings exploited during their two-year relationship.
Evidence presented includes a final alleged assault 11 days before Dawes' death, leaving her hospitalized, and a history of violent incidents, including one where Wellings reportedly tried to strangle her with a phone charger cable.
Wellings denies all charges, asserting that Dawes' injuries were accidental or occurred during attempts to restrain her, and that other factors contributed to her decision to take her own life.