Fairy Tale Turns to Nightmare for Young Mother Who Took Her Life
A court hears how a young mother felt trapped in an abusive relationship before her tragic death
Kiena Dawes, Ryan Wellings, Lancashire, Domestic Violence, Suicide
Fleetwood: A young woman’s life took a tragic turn due to an abusive relationship. Kiena Dawes, just 23, felt like her fairy tale romance had turned into a nightmare, as the court heard.
She had been in touch with her former teacher, Nicola Atherton, who thought Kiena was happy with Ryan Wellings. But things were far from okay. Kiena left a heartbreaking note saying, “I was murdered … Ryan Wellings killed me.”
Before her death on July 22, 2022, she left her baby daughter with a friend. Kiena had met Wellings in January 2020 and was quickly swept off her feet. He even got her name tattooed on him just a week later and proposed within three months.
But soon after, the relationship soured. Allegations of physical and emotional abuse began to surface. Wellings is accused of being controlling and violent, which he denies.
Mrs. Atherton shared that Kiena told her the first six months were blissful, but then it all changed. Kiena communicated through Facebook, revealing the truth behind her seemingly happy posts and even sent photos of her injuries.
Her teacher urged her to break free from Wellings, calling the situation toxic. Kiena felt bullied and tortured by his actions. Just before her death, she felt let down by the police after Wellings contacted her again, despite being arrested for assaulting her.
Wellings’ lawyers argued that Kiena had her own mental health struggles before they met, suggesting her suicide was due to various factors. He claimed any injuries were accidental.
Debbie Green, who did Kiena’s nails, noticed a drastic change in her demeanor after meeting Wellings. She went from being cheerful to constantly scared. Kiena shared stories of horrific abuse, including one where Wellings allegedly held a drill to her mouth.
On their last appointment, Kiena was in tears, promising to leave him for good. Sadly, just two days later, she took her own life. The trial is still ongoing.