Overview

• 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.