Father of Slain Daughter Speaks Ahead of Trial

WARNING: This story contains discussion of intimate partner violence.

Dan Jennings recalls every moment from that night in July 2023 when a police officer came to his home in Sault Ste. Marie and informed him that his daughter Caitlin, who lived hundreds of kilometres away in London, Ont., had passed away.

Nearly three years later, Jennings is set to attend the trial of David Norman Yates, the man accused in relation to her death. The trial is scheduled to begin Monday in St. Thomas.

“This is a feeling no parent should understand,” Jennings said.

“There’s so much going through my head beyond her final moments but also my quest for justice and to help save other survivors or victims, that’s my journey right now.”

Caitlin Jennings, 22, was discovered dead at a residence on Kingsway Avenue in London’s Oakridge neighbourhood on July 5, 2023. Yates, who was 50 at the time, faces charges of second-degree murder in her death.

Caitlin was not heard when she was alive, but she will be heard now.- Dan Jennings, father of Caitlin Jennings.

Since losing his daughter, Jennings has become an advocate for victims and survivors of intimate partner violence. He has traveled to Queen’s Park and Ottawa, urging lawmakers to strengthen protections for victims and enhance support for those dealing with abuse.

“Her end is always in my mind and cannot be helped,” he stated. “She deserves to be here. She was at a point where she was just trying to figure it out; she was still so young.”

An old photo of Caitlin Jennings during Christmas. Her father mentioned that Caitlin was a good friend to others and always ready to help them out. She was trying to carve a path after graduating from Fanshawe College in London. (Submitted)

Jennings said his advocacy work has been partly inspired by fellow Sault Ste. Marie resident Brian Sweeney, whose daughter Angie Sweeney was killed in 2023. Together they started groups called Angie’s Angels and Caitlin’s Heard in memory of their daughters.

The duo also backed federal efforts aimed at criminalizing coercive and controlling behavior within intimate relationships. Proposed legislation advanced through Parliament but failed to become law before last year’s federal election.

Jennings has since connected with other families impacted by intimate partner violence, including the family of Breanna Broadfoot, a 17-year-old girl from London who died in 2024.

“We are part of a family nobody wants to be part of, but these are the people that know how we’re feeling. It’s great that I have this big adopted family but it’s unfortunate how big it is; that just shows there’s so much as a society we need to do,” he remarked.

‘My millennium baby’

Jennings shared that he had been estranged from Caitlin for much of her life following his divorce from her mother; however they had begun reconnecting before her tragic passing.

One cherished memory he holds dear is being the first person who held her when she entered the world.

“I lost my daughter twice,” he expressed softly. “I missed so many moments while she grew up; there’s so much more I wish I knew.”

Dan Jennings and his wife Michelle have become advocates for victims and survivors of domestic violence. Here they hold photos of Cheryl Sheldon, Tiffany Gates, Caitlin Jennings and Breanna Broadfoot (left to right). The four women died under separate alleged cases involving intimate partner violence with criminal proceedings ongoing before the courts in three instances. (Isha Bhargava/CBC)

He described Caitlin as a tomboy who fiercely stood by her friends while always being willing to lend a hand whenever needed. After graduating from Fanshawe College, she juggled several part-time jobs while figuring out her next steps in life.

Although coping with such loss continues to be challenging for him , Jennings believes sharing Caitlin’s story helps keep her spirit alive while shining light on the lasting effects intimate partner violence leaves on victims , survivors , and families alike.

“She was my first born , my millennium baby born back in2000.”he reflected.”Caitlin wasn’t heard when she lived , but she’s goingto be heard now. I’ll make sure I’mher voice.”

If you or someone you knowis struggling , here’s where you can find help:

For anyone affectedbyfamily orintimate partnerviolence, supportis available through crisis linesand local support services. If you’rein immediate dangeror fearfor your safety orthatofothers aroundyou , please call911.

In London, supportis alsoavailablethrough Anova , Atlohsa Native Family Healing Services , London Abused Women’s Centre , Regional Sexual Assaultand Domestic Violence Treatment Centre, and Victim Servicesof Middlesex-London.

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