Kiena Dawes, a 23-year-old mother, tragically ended her life on a railway line in Lancashire, England, in July 2022, leaving behind a nine-month-old daughter. Her death followed years of alleged domestic abuse at the hands of her partner, Ryan Wellings, who is now on trial for her manslaughter. The prosecution argues that Wellings’ sustained abuse, coupled with Kiena’s pre-existing mental health condition, drove her to suicide. Two weeks before her death, a distraught Kiena called emergency services, expressing suicidal thoughts while simultaneously pleading for help, highlighting the complex and agonizing struggle she faced. She voiced her desire to live for her daughter but admitted to an overwhelming mental anguish that made it difficult to cope. This desperate plea for help underscores the tragic nature of the situation and foreshadows the devastating outcome.
Kiena’s 999 call reveals a young woman grappling with a severe mental health crisis exacerbated by ongoing abuse. She disclosed her emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD) and admitted to writing notes contemplating suicide, a chilling indication of the depth of her despair. Despite these dark thoughts, she emphasized her love for her daughter and her desire to live, demonstrating a heartbreaking internal conflict between her mental illness and her maternal instincts. Her plea for help, “I need some help. I’m trying really hard not to feel like this,” reveals a desperate attempt to fight against her suicidal ideations, a fight she ultimately lost two weeks later. This call provides crucial insight into Kiena’s mental state leading up to her death and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of recognizing and addressing the signs of domestic abuse and mental illness.
Kiena’s pre-existing EUPD, characterized by a fear of abandonment, made it incredibly difficult for her to leave the allegedly abusive relationship with Wellings. This fear, coupled with the ongoing abuse, created a vicious cycle that trapped Kiena and contributed to her deteriorating mental state. Dr. Nicholas Kennedy, a medical professional involved in the case, testified that Kiena’s EUPD, combined with the alleged domestic abuse, significantly increased her risk of suicide. The compounding factors of the abuse, the anniversary of her father’s death, and an alleged incident where Wellings violated bail conditions to contact her, further intensified her vulnerability and despair.
The prosecution’s case heavily relies on a note left by Kiena, a final testament to the torment she endured. In this note, she explicitly accuses Wellings of “murdering” her slowly through relentless abuse, stripping her of her strength and robbing her of her future. The note’s raw emotion and direct accusations paint a harrowing picture of a woman driven to the brink by years of alleged abuse. Kiena’s words, “I was murdered. Ryan Wellings killed me,” are a chilling indictment of the alleged abuse she suffered and the devastating impact it had on her mental health. Her plea for justice, urging authorities to act faster in cases of domestic abuse, highlights a systemic issue that often leaves victims feeling helpless and unheard.
Wellings denies all charges against him, including manslaughter, assault, and coercive and controlling behavior. He claims that Kiena’s accusations are either untrue or exaggerated and that any injuries she sustained were accidental or a result of him trying to restrain her. The defense argues that Kiena’s suicide was primarily a result of her EUPD and not directly caused by Wellings’ actions. This contrasting narrative sets the stage for a complex legal battle that will delve into the intricacies of domestic abuse, mental health, and the difficult task of establishing causality in such cases.
The trial of Ryan Wellings raises crucial questions about the interplay between domestic abuse and mental health. Kiena’s tragic story underscores the devastating impact that sustained abuse can have on an individual’s mental well-being, particularly those with pre-existing vulnerabilities. It highlights the urgent need for greater awareness, support, and intervention in cases of domestic violence and the importance of recognizing and addressing the complex mental health challenges faced by victims. The case also brings to light the challenges of holding perpetrators accountable for the psychological consequences of their abuse, even when the victim ultimately takes their own life. Kiena’s final message, a plea for justice and a warning to others, serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of domestic abuse and the need for systemic change to protect vulnerable individuals.
