The family of a British woman who allegedly flew to the United States to be violently killed by a man she met online have paid tribute to her, describing her as a 'truly beautiful person' and the 'gentlest soul'.
Family's tribute
Sonia Exelby, 32, was reported missing from her home in Portsmouth after failing to board a return flight from Florida last October. Her body was later found by US investigators in Marion County, Florida, on October 17. Dwain Hall, 53, of Ocala, has been arrested on charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and is expected to face trial in November.
In a statement, Sonia's family said: 'Sonia was a truly beautiful person, inside and out. She had the gentlest soul – so gentle that she chose to become vegan, because she couldn't bear the thought of any animal suffering just so she could eat. That was who she was: kind, compassionate, and full of quiet love.'
'She was incredibly talented. Sonia could play the piano so effortlessly, and when she sang, she had the voice of an angel. Being around her felt special — she brought a calmness and warmth that made everything feel a little lighter.'
'Sonia was one of those rare people who made you feel completely safe to be yourself. She never judged, never criticised – she simply accepted people as they were and loved them for it. That is something so many of us will carry with us forever.'
Investigation details
Sonia flew out to Florida on October 10 and was reported missing when she failed to board the return flight she had booked for three days later. Her long-term partner Steve Hunt posted an emotional appeal for help in finding her, which said: 'We believe she has arranged to meet someone there and has got herself into an extremely vulnerable situation.'
Detectives in the US said their investigation suggested Sonia had 'travelled to the United States with the intention of meeting with online individuals who would be willing to kill her violently'. Evidence retrieved from her computer indicated she was 'suicidal and travelling to the US to be possibly sexually abused, tortured and murdered by unknown individuals'.
Sonia's body was found in woodland at Marion Oaks. A shovel found at Hall's home was found to contain soil that matched that found at the burial site. Her blood was also found on the handle. A post-mortem examination later revealed she had been stabbed four times.
Police response
Hampshire police said: 'We received a report on Sunday October 12 that Sonia was missing from her home in Southsea. Initial inquiries established that she had travelled outside of the UK prior to the report being received.' The constabulary said it was continuing to support the FDLE investigation, while specially trained officers were providing assistance to Ms Exelby's family in the UK.
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website. PAPYRUS offers specialised suicide prevention support for young people. Their HOPELINE247 is open every day of the year, 24 hours a day. You can call 0800 068 4141, text 88247 or email: pat@papyrus-uk.org.
