The family of Sonia Exelby, a 32-year-old British woman whose body was discovered in Florida after she failed to return home, have described her as a "truly beautiful" person who filled the world with "kindness and light."
Family Tribute
Sonia Exelby, from Portsmouth, was found dead in Marion County, Florida, on October 17, 2025, after traveling to the United States. Her family, in an emotional statement, said she was "a truly beautiful person, inside and out" with "the gentlest soul." They recalled her veganism, her musical talent on the piano and singing, and her ability to make others feel accepted. "Sonia was one of those rare people who made you feel completely safe to be yourself," they said.
The youngest of six children, Sonia shared a close bond with her sister Sara and was a devoted aunt. Her siblings described her as "the softest most gentle soul" and said, "We will never get over losing her which has left an emptiness in our lives that can never be filled."
Investigation Details
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary is supporting a murder investigation led by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Dwain Hall, 53, of Ocala, has been charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping. He had earlier been detained for alleged fraudulent use of Ms Exelby's credit cards.
A post-mortem revealed Sonia died from four stab wounds, ranging from four to seven inches deep. She reportedly met Hall through a fetish website. Hall claimed Sonia was suicidal and wanted to be killed, but also admitted having violent tendencies. Investigators said Hall collected her from a Florida airport and took her to an Airbnb in Reddick.
Police said Hall gave different accounts, including that he was angry because Sonia did not bring $4,000 (£3,000) to help pay his IRS debt. Footage showed bruises on Sonia, and messages to friends indicated she was frightened and believed she had made a mistake. A trial is expected later this year.
