WARNING: This story contains graphic details
Among the evidence police found inside the house where Caitlin Jennings was discovered dead was a notebook, its lined pages filled with frantic writing scrawled in pencil.
“My wish is to have people forget about me,” reads one of the entries. “No funeral. Don’t even say my name, just forget it. Full accountability, I did this.”
David Yates is on trial for second-degree murder in Jennings’s death. Tuesday marked Day 2 of the judge-alone trial taking place at the St. Thomas courthouse.
The court viewed images of entries from a notebook found on the dining room table, which contained what seemed to be confessional and apologetic statements. Yates has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder.
“The reality is setting in that I killed my best friend,” reads one entry. “I have to go. You did not deserve this. Sorry to everyone.”
In another section, the writer hints at alleged infidelity in their relationship and writes: “I lost my mind, I had no control. I should have walked away but I did not.”
These words were read in court Tuesday by Det.-Const. Christopher Thomas, the lead police forensic investigator assigned to the case. He was asked to read aloud parts of the notebook shown in photographs taken by police.
Thomas also testified about additional evidence he found and photographed at the house located on Kingsway Avenue in London. This was a home that Yates, 53, rented and where Jennings, his 22-year-old girlfriend, was discovered deceased on the living room floor on July 5, 2023.
Thomas walked the court through over 300 police photographs documenting evidence collected at the house following Jennings’s body being found. Many showed blood, including pools of it on the living room floor where Jennings’s body lay and smaller droplets elsewhere in the house like on the kitchen floor and sink.
The court also saw images of larger splotches of blood on walls near a small walk-in tub in the bathroom and on a shower curtain.
Police additionally discovered blood on clothing inside a washing machine, including a white undershirt soaked with blood along with bloodstains on a plaid short-sleeved shirt.
A Rapala knife-its blade covered with blood-was also pictured sitting on top of the living room coffee table.
Tuesdays proceedings started with testimony from London police Constable John Ruffolo. He was among those first responders who arrived at around 3 p. m., shortly after Yates made a 911 call admitting responsibility for Jennings’s death.
Ruffolo told the court he arrived just as fellow officer Constable Christine Silcox was arresting Yates outside in the driveway. Ruffolo entered the house to check Jennings’s condition but quickly realized she “had been deceased for some time.”
Monday’s testimony
The trial kicked off Monday with opening statements from Crown attorney Cara Douglas. She informed everyone that they plan to show how Yates caused Jennings’s death by hitting her multiple times with either one or more “hammer or hammers” sometime between July 3 and July 5. Douglas stated that multiple strikes left Jennings’s body marked with around 50 semi-circular abrasions. An audio recording of Yates’s July 5 call to 911 was also played during Monday’s session after he returned home from attempting suicide unsuccessfully.</P During that call , Yates is heard telling dispatch , “I hurt my best friend,” followed by “I’m turning myself in.” The dispatcher confirmed Caitlin Jennings as being injured and acknowledged their relationship. When asked whether Jennings was alright , Yates responded :“No , she’s not okay.” Later during this call , he described what happened as “the worst-case scenario.” Photographs were presented Monday showing Jennings ‘s body taken at crime scene. She appeared wrapped up inside blanket while lying on living room floor. The images depicted numerous dark bruises across her legs , shoulders , back, hands , and face. She had suffered many wounds while her hair remained matted down with blood. Jennings ‘s father Dan sobbed when seeing those photos displayed across large screen within courtroom. Also Monday, Yates ‘s attorney Cassandra De Melo offered for her client plead guilty towards lesser charge regarding manslaughter ; however, the Crown rejected offer outright. Superior Court Justice Joseph Perfetto granted defense motion requesting individuals present inside courtroom gallery avoid wearing T-shirts featuring messages relevant towards case.</ PCaitlin ‘s dad Dan accompanied by his wife along friend attended court sporting blue shirts displaying phrase “Caitlin’s Heard.” Furthermore, Danny held onto pictures showcasing daughter throughout proceedings whilst advocating tougher regulations aimed against intimate partner violence.< / P
Perfetto explained these shirts plus visuals could create distractions potentially undermining fairness concerning Yates’ rights during trial process itself. During remainder Monday session, some wore garments turned inside out while none brought pictures into courtroom Tuesday.< / P
Dan traveled all way from Sault Ste. Marie intending witness trial personally sitting front row gallery throughout initial two days hearing testimonies.< / P
The trial remains scheduled continuing Wednesday.< / P
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