Kiena Dawes, a 23-year-old mother, tragically took her own life after enduring a two-year campaign of relentless abuse at the hands of her partner, Ryan Wellings. Her mother, Angela Dawes, expressed profound grief and disappointment following Wellings’ acquittal on manslaughter charges, stating that justice had not been fully served. While Wellings was found guilty of coercive and controlling behavior and assault, the absence of a manslaughter conviction left a gaping wound for Kiena’s family, who firmly believe Wellings drove their daughter to suicide. Angela Dawes poignantly apologized to Kiena for not securing the desired outcome, emphasizing that the convictions, although significant, arrived too late to save her daughter’s life. She expressed gratitude for the acknowledgement of Wellings’ abusive actions but lamented the fact that Kiena’s voice was not fully heard in the pursuit of justice.
Kiena’s life was tragically cut short, leaving behind a young daughter whom Angela has been caring for since her mother’s death. Angela described Kiena as a “rare gem,” deeply missed by all who knew her. The pain of Kiena’s absence is compounded by the knowledge that her daughter will grow up without her mother, a devastating consequence of Wellings’ abusive actions. Angela vowed to fight for justice for Kiena and expressed her fervent hope that no other young woman or child would have to endure such torment. She conveyed her deepest wish to be able to bring Kiena back and assure her of her safety.
The relationship between Kiena and Wellings began in January 2020, initially appearing as an intense romance. However, cracks soon emerged, with Kiena sending messages pleading for the abuse to stop just a month later. Despite an engagement in April 2020, the abuse escalated, with Wellings attempting to strangle Kiena with a phone charger cable in May. The cycle of abuse continued, marked by accusations of infidelity, physical violence, verbal degradation, and threats of self-harm directed towards Kiena. Despite interventions from family and friends, Kiena repeatedly returned to Wellings, a tragic illustration of the complexities of abusive relationships.
The abuse intensified further with the death of Kiena’s father and her subsequent pregnancy. Wellings’ cruel taunts about her weight, online interactions with prostitutes, and manipulation of her mental health issues further eroded Kiena’s self-worth. He dismissed her complaints about his abuse, leveraging her mental health diagnosis to discredit her. The pattern of violence continued throughout Kiena’s pregnancy and after the birth of their daughter, with Wellings assaulting her, threatening her with a drill, and even dunking her head in a bath while their daughter was present.
Despite repeated calls to the police and attempts to leave the relationship, Kiena found herself trapped in the cycle of abuse. Wellings’ threats and manipulations prevented her from pursuing charges or seeking lasting help. The system failed her, as evidenced by the police’s insufficient response to her calls for help and the failure to treat a breach of bail seriously. Kiena’s final, desperate call to emergency services, just days before her death, painted a chilling picture of the violence she endured.
Kiena’s suicide note, left with her daughter, provided a heartbreaking account of her suffering. She stated unequivocally that she was “murdered” by Ryan Wellings, his abuse having stripped her of her remaining strength. She expressed her hope that her death would spur faster action by police services and prevent other victims from enduring similar fates. Her final words were an apology to her daughter and a plea for her to be kept safe from her abusive father.
The aftermath of Kiena’s death revealed Wellings’ utter lack of remorse. He posted a video on social media boasting about drinking champagne just an hour after being charged with manslaughter. This callous act stood in stark contrast to his earlier displays of fake tears following his arrest. The case also raised serious concerns about the police’s handling of the situation, with an investigation launched into whether they acted promptly enough to protect Kiena. The tragedy highlights the urgent need for improved responses to domestic abuse and greater support for victims.
The verdict in Wellings’ case, while acknowledging his abusive behavior, failed to fully address the gravity of his actions in driving Kiena to take her own life. The case serves as a tragic reminder of the devastating impact of domestic abuse and the systemic failures that often leave victims vulnerable. Kiena’s story underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to raise awareness, improve support services, and hold perpetrators accountable for the full extent of their actions.
