‘I will rot in hell’: Notebook entries a key part of Crown’s case at David Yates trial

Notebook entries shown in court Tuesday revealed a tumultuous relationship between Caitin Jennings and the man accused of killing her. Nick Paparella reports.

For the second day in a row there were graphic details heard at the murder trial of a London man charged in the death of his former girlfriend.

On Tuesday, Det. Const. Christopher Thomas of the London Police Service testified in a St. Thomas courtroom that as a forensic identification officer he showed up to 562 Kingsway Ave. in west London in July 2023.

He was there to capture images after the body of Caitlin Jennings, 22, had been removed.

The officer described the bloody mess throughout the home saying, “I can see blood staining around the sink...there’s a knife on the right side.”

As he went through the home of the 53-year-old accused David Yates, the investigator came across a notebook and in court he read several entries that the Crown claims were made by the accused as he attempted suicide.

One reads, “Why did I not walk away? I did this to Caitlin.”

On another page, “I will hold you, Caitlin. You did not deserve this. I’m a piece of s***. Sorry to everyone.”

Then it goes on to say, “I honestly thought I could be strong and keep it together for us, I’ve failed.”

It continues, “It was all lies all the time. I was not equipped to deal with the bomb she dropped on me. Shame on me. Shame on me.”

In the notebook there are claims that the victim was being unfaithful in the relationship with one entry reading, “I had no idea she was hooking up with a crazy amount of guys.”

It continues, “We were supposed to have kids...I finally lost my mind. Yes, I did all the horrible marks on Caitlin. I will rot in hell.”

And in one of the final notes the officer read, “I have no excuses at all. I did this. I’m a f****** monster.”

Hours after calling 911, Yates would be arrested and charged with second-degree murder. He has pled not guilty.

Earlier in the day the court heard from one of the first London officers at the crime scene. Const. Jonathan Ruffolo testified about finding Caitlin’s body in the home.

“When I first entered the residence, I saw blood droplets in the kitchen and blood in the living room,” he said. “She was in the living room partially covered with a blanket.”

The officer believed the body had been there for some time, testifying, “I touched her arm to confirm that her whole body was stiff...rigor mortis had set in.”

The trial is expected to resume on Wednesday.