A heart-wrenching story unfolded in court as a friend discovered a suicide note left by 23-year-old Kiena Dawes, triggering moments of panic and despair. The chilling discovery was made when Kacie Valentine found the note on her mobile phone, along with Kiena’s nine-month-old baby, while Kacie was in the shower. As captured by Kacie’s doorbell camera, she was seen running out of her home screaming in a desperate attempt to save her friend’s life. Tragically, Kiena had already driven to a nearby railway track where she was fatally struck by a train. The court also heard that Kiena had endured a harrowing ordeal of abuse by her partner.
The jury was shown footage of Kacie’s frantic reaction upon finding the note, contrasted with the last moments of Kiena’s life as she arrived at Kacie’s home. The suicide note detailed Kiena’s pain and suffering, alleging abuse and manipulation by her partner. Despite Ryan Wellings being found not guilty of manslaughter, he was convicted of assault and controlling behaviour towards Kiena. In her note, Kiena expressed her love for her family and her deep concern for her baby girl’s safety and well-being.
During the trial, it was revealed that Wellings had subjected Kiena to a pattern of controlling behaviour, abuse, and violence throughout their relationship. Kiena, who initially thought she was living a fairytale romance, confided in a friend that it had turned into a nightmare of violence and threats. Wellings, a landscape gardener, will face sentencing for his crimes. The heart-wrenching note left by Kiena to her daughter expressed her love, regret, and hope for a happier life for her child.
This tragic case sheds light on the devastating impacts of domestic abuse and the urgent need for better support and intervention for victims. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of recognising the signs of abuse and taking action to prevent such heartbreaking outcomes. The courage of Kacie Valentine in her attempt to save her friend’s life, and Kiena’s poignant words in her final message, serve as a powerful call to action to protect and support those in vulnerable situations.