The relatives of a British woman believed to have been killed in Florida after disappearing from her UK home described her as a 'truly beautiful person' and 'the gentlest soul'.
Sonia Exelby was reported missing from her home in Southsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire, on October 12 last year. Early police inquiries established that she had already left the country before the report was made.
Her body was discovered by US authorities in Marion County, Florida, on October 17.
Arrest and charges
Dwain Hall, 53, from Ocala, was later arrested by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) on charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping. He had previously been held in connection with the alleged fraudulent use of Ms Exelby's credit cards. Hall is due to stand trial in November.
Family tribute
In a statement issued through Hampshire police, the 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.'
The youngest of six children, her family described her as 'deeply loved by all her siblings'. They added: 'She was softly spoken and always gave the best most intense hugs. She was the baby out of us that kept us bound together.'
'We will never get over losing her, which has left an emptiness in our lives that can never be filled. The world has lost so much kindness and light, and her absence will be felt by so many people for so many years to come.'
'We know that life wasn't always easy for you, but your life was so much more than the struggles you faced. This is so important to us that the life you lived is what you are remembered for.'
'You were deeply loved, and you will always be deeply loved. We miss you more than words can ever say. We love you so much, always, and forever.'
Police statement
Hampshire Police confirmed: '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 force added that it was continuing to support the FDLE investigation, while specially trained officers were offering assistance to Ms Exelby's family back in the UK.
