A British woman who allegedly flew to the United States with the intention of being murdered has been found dead in a shallow grave in Florida, with the man accused of her killing now formally pleading not guilty.
Suspect Enters Plea as Case Proceeds to Court
Dwain Hall, 53, from Florida, has been charged with homicide and kidnapping following the death of 32-year-old Sonia Exelby from Portsmouth. His lawyer, Julia Williamson, confirmed to the Mirror that a written plea of not guilty was filed ahead of Hall's arraignment on Tuesday, where he was formally informed of the charges.
Ms Williamson stated the plea would stand until the defence receives 'Discovery' – the evidence held by prosecutors. She added that there had been procedural delays after Hall was initially arrested on lesser charges related to credit card use, but those were dropped before the more serious charges were brought.
"At this time my client will be maintaining his right to silence concerning all aspects of the allegations," Ms Williamson said. She extended condolences to Sonia's friends and family, calling the case a "tragic loss" that is "painful for all involved." Hall's next expected court date is in February.
Disturbing Details of a Fatal Journey
Sonia Exelby's body was discovered in woodland in Marion Oaks, Florida, on October 13, after she failed to book her return flight to the UK. She had arrived in the US just days earlier, on October 10.
Investigators allege she had been communicating with Hall on a fetish website. According to arrest documents, their conversations reportedly progressed from topics of bondage and suicide to Sonia expressing a specific desire to be killed by someone. Her family confirmed she had struggled with her mental health.
An affidavit claims Hall initially denied knowing Sonia but later admitted to picking her up from Gainesville airport, a fact supported by licence plate reader data. He allegedly drove her to an Airbnb. The autopsy concluded Sonia died from being stabbed four times with a knife.
Evidence Points to Premeditated Encounter
Police connected Hall to the crime after allegedly finding him using Sonia's credit cards. Investigators accuse him of sexually abusing, torturing, and murdering the Portsmouth woman.
Critical evidence was found on Sonia's own computer. Records indicated she was suicidal and had travelled to the United States specifically to be sexually abused, tortured, and possibly murdered. During police interviews, Hall is alleged to have admitted they discussed her desire to have someone kill her.
The case has sent shockwaves through communities on both sides of the Atlantic, highlighting extreme and tragic outcomes linked to online interactions and mental health crises.
