Sonia Exelby was reported missing from her home in Southsea, Portsmouth, on October 12 last year. Initial inquiries revealed she had already left the country. Her body was later discovered in Marion County, Florida, on October 17.
Discovery and Arrest
Dwain Hall, 53, of Ocala, was arrested on charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping. He had already been detained for alleged fraudulent use of her credit cards. An autopsy showed Ms Exelby died from four stab wounds, each between four and seven inches deep.
Investigation Details
Ms Exelby met Hall through a fetish website. Police believe she travelled to the US to meet him. Hall claimed she was suicidal and wanted to die, but he said he acted as a mentor. According to an arrest warrant, he admitted having violent tendencies. He collected her from the airport and took her to an Airbnb in Reddick, where he said they had sex multiple times and recorded videos, which he later deleted.
Hall gave inconsistent accounts. He allegedly said Ms Exelby promised to give him $4,000 for his IRS debt but arrived without the money. Footage showed her with bruises, and police said Hall pressured her to consent to being harmed. Messages on Discord indicated she was frightened and thought she had made a mistake.
Family Tribute
In a statement issued by Hampshire Police on behalf of the family, they 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, the family described her as "deeply loved by all her siblings". They continued: "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."
Hampshire Constabulary stated: "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 confirmed it was continuing to support the FDLE investigation, while specially trained officers were providing support to Ms Exelby's family in the UK.
Hall is anticipated to stand trial in November. 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.
