Tragic End for British Woman Seeking Death in Florida
A 53-year-old Florida man stands accused of sexually abusing, torturing and murdering a suicidal woman from Portsmouth who travelled to the United States seeking a violent death. Shelby Exelby, 32, was reported missing by concerned loved ones in the UK after she failed to board her return flight from Gainesville Regional Airport on October 13.
From Online Contact to Tragic Reality
UK authorities alerted the Florida Department of Law Enforcement that Exelby was experiencing suicidal thoughts and had arranged to meet someone who would violently kill her. According to investigators, Exelby and Dwain Hall had initially connected through a fetish website approximately two years prior to her death.
Hall eventually admitted to detectives that Exelby had expressed suicidal intentions and specifically requested to be killed. While claiming he wanted to help the British woman, Hall also acknowledged his own violent tendencies to authorities.
The Final Days and Crucial Evidence
Surveillance footage captured Hall purchasing a gun cleaner, rope and shovel shortly before Exelby's death. Police confirmed that the 53-year-old collected Exelby from the airport and took her to an Airbnb rental property in Marion County.
Hall stated they engaged in sexual activity multiple times during her stay. Authorities later recovered a deleted video from Hall's device showing Exelby appearing bruised and dishevelled. In the footage, Hall questions why she is present, to which she responds: "Because I'm an awful person. I've crushed everyone who ever loves me."
Investigators described Exelby as hesitant during the encounter, though she reportedly nodded when Hall sought consent to harm her. Evidence emerged that Exelby had second thoughts, messaging a friend on Discord: "He made it clear there was no way out unless I shoot him. I was questioning it last night... I thought he'd do it quick and not give my mind time to stew."
Discovery and Arrest
Exelby's body was discovered on October 17 in a shallow grave within the Marion Oaks area. The autopsy confirmed she died from four stab wounds. Investigators found a shovel label near her remains matching the tool Hall had purchased earlier.
Authorities traced transactions made on Exelby's credit cards to identify Hall as the primary suspect. Following his arrest on November 17, Hall faces multiple charges including:
- First-degree murder
- Kidnapping
- Credit card fraud
- Unlawful use of a communication device
Further investigation revealed that Hall mailed a knife to a friend in Ohio shortly after Exelby's death. Law enforcement confirmed the weapon tested positive for blood and potentially contains Exelby's DNA.
Emotional Aftermath and Official Response
Before her body was discovered, Exelby's boyfriend Stevie Hunt made a desperate public appeal for information about his missing partner. He wrote on social media: "It pains me to write this, I never thought I'd be writing this. The love of my life Sonia Exelby is missing. She's struggling deeply right now with her mental health and we are terrified for her safety."
FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass commented on the arrest: "Our agents worked with extraordinary speed and unwavering determination to ensure justice was served and closure was brought to the victim's family. This type of violent crime and disregard for human life will not be tolerated in our state – those who commit such heinous crimes will be held fully accountable."
Dwain Hall remains held in Marion County without bond as the investigation continues and legal proceedings advance.
