A series of event that lead to the gruesome death of Kiena Dawes on the 22 July 2022 displays the power struggle between couples that is actively consuming households across the world. Young Kiena was found just days before she tragically took her own life ‘covered in blood’ by PC Stephanie Sawyer.
Stephanie had visited the distressed woman in her home in Fleetwood, Lancashire at the time and explained that there was blood all over. It has transpired that the 23 year old had reported a domestic dispute that night. She had called 999 for assistance when her partner, Ryan Wellings left her feeling threatened and in danger.
Was The Tragic Discovery Manslaughter or Suicide?
Ryan Wellings, 30, of Bispham, Lancashire denied manslaughter in front of the Preston Crown Court. He additionally denies assault and controlling, coercive behavior towards Kiena between the duration of their relationship. One that started in January 2020.
It turns out that the court had been presented with a note where Kiena Dawes clearly stated “I was murdered” and that Ryan Wellings had ‘killed me’ before she was seen talking her own life on a railway line. Just 11 days after the alleged violence call PC Stephanie Sawyer had attended to.
An Encounter Summing Up a Dangerous Environment
PC Stephanie Sawyer walked through the series of tragic events that clearly led to the loss of a life – one of a woman who felt utterly helpless. “There was blood on the floor in the communal corridor. She was covered in blood, on her hands, on her face. And she was upset and she was crying. She had a cut to the right side of her head. There was a broken towel rail in the bathroom.” The PC explained to the court.
A Woman In Absolute Fear
The police statement noted that Wellings had accused her of being a ‘schizophrenic freak’ where he thereafter threw her into a radiator ‘causing it to break from the wall and had slammed the door towards her, hitting her head, causing her to black out and cut her head.’ Wellings claims to have been attacked by her and had defended himself. He was later arrested.
Read More: Mother-of-Two Ends Her Own Life After Using Suicide Pod
The Domestic Violence Advisor Spoke Up
Kevin O’Rourke, the hospital’s advisor spoke to the court after Ms Dawes had completed a risk assessment. ‘His notes of what she told him detailed “emotional and physical abuse“, controlling behavior, telling her to “kill herself” and living “in fear” of Mr Wellings. The court heard there were earlier incidents of alleged domestic violence but Ms Dawes had decided she did not want to “press charges.”‘
The Preston Crown Court
Prosecutors made it clear that they believed ‘Mr Wellings’ violence, bullying and abuse weakened Ms Dawes, making her more vulnerable to death by suicide and the alleged assault on 1 July “broke her“.’ Ms Dawes had previously been diagnosed with an Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder. This had resulted in the hairdresser becoming impulsive, low on self-esteem and difficult, the jury found out.
A Rushed Relationship Leading to Ironic Impatience
The court was told that the couple met in January 2020 and quickly developed an “intense” relationship. Within just a week of their first meeting, Mr. Wellings had Ms. Kiena Dawes’ name and face tattooed on his body, and he proposed marriage within three months.
Mr. Wellings Defends Himself Against
A phone note written by Dawes was shown and read out to the jury. It said: “The end. I fought hard, I fought long, I went through pain no one could imagine. “I was murdered. Ryan Wellings killed me. He ruined every bit of strength I had left. I didn’t deserve it. I hope my life saves another by police services acting faster. Don’t let bullies live free.”
Addressing her daughter, she wrote: “I’m sorry I let you go … I’m so sorry I had to go. The world turned their back on me. I was strong, I had dreams. I had a future at one point. That was taken away from me.” She noted that she really hoped her daughter was “kept away from the monster who is called her dad”.
If a woman is experiencing domestic abuse or violence in the United States, there are several resources available for support. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE) provides confidential support, including safety planning and referrals to local services. Local shelters and organizations like the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) offer emergency housing, legal assistance, and counseling. Additionally, many states have their own domestic violence programs that provide resources and advocacy. Women can also contact law enforcement if in immediate danger. Many communities have hotlines and support groups specifically tailored to women in abusive relationships. It’s important to know that help is available and accessible, whether it’s through hotlines, shelters, or legal aid organizations.
