A Florida man has been arrested and charged with the murder of a 32-year-old British woman who traveled to the US with the tragic intention of being killed.
Dwain Hall, 53, from Ocala, faces charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and credit card fraud after Sonia Exelby’s body was discovered in a shallow grave in Marion County on October 17.
Exelby, from Portsmouth, England, was reported missing by her family after she failed to board her return flight from Gainesville Regional Airport on October 13.
Her disappearance prompted alarm from UK authorities, who contacted the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), noting that she had been suicidal and had been planning to meet someone who would harm her.
Sonia Exelby, 32, was found dead in a shallow grave on October 17. Credit: Instagram
Exelby’s tragic journey began long before she arrived in the US.
According to NBC News, an affidavit from the FDLE stated that the woman had struggled with mental health issues for years and had previously attempted to arrange for her own death through online connections.
In 2024, she communicated with several people via Telegram about her plans to be tortured and killed.
While one of these attempts was halted after she received treatment, she ultimately followed through with her intention when she traveled to America this year.
Dwain Hall, 53, was arrested and charged with her murder on October 18. Credit: Marion County Sheriff
Disturbing details of their encounter
Hall met Exelby online two years ago on a fetish website, where she confided in him about her desire for a violent death, the Daily Mail reported.
He told investigators that she expressed her suicidal wishes to him and that he wanted to help her.
On October 10, Exelby arrived in Florida and met Hall at an Airbnb in Marion County, where they engaged in sexual activity multiple times. However, police say Hall’s intentions were far darker than he suggested.
Authorities uncovered a deleted video on Hall’s device, which showed a bruised and disheveled Exelby answering questions from Hall about her desire to be harmed.
The footage revealed that she was visibly upset, hesitant, and tearful as she was coerced into acknowledging her wish to be beaten and killed.
Investigators described her as subdued and fearful, with one message from Exelby to a friend on Discord revealing her second thoughts. “I was questioning it last night… I thought he’d do it quick and not give my mind time to stew,” she reportedly wrote, explaining her dilemma.
Boyfriend’s desperate plea for her safety
Exelby’s boyfriend, Stevie Hunt, expressed his horror and despair in a social media post after her disappearance, pleading for her safe return.
He wrote: “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.”
Exelby’s murder and Hall’s Attempt to cover up
Tragically, Exelby’s life ended shortly after she arrived in Florida. An autopsy confirmed she died from four stab wounds, and police later found a shovel purchased by Hall near her body.
Further investigation revealed that Hall had mailed a knife to a friend in Ohio shortly after Exelby’s death, which was later found to contain possible blood evidence linked to the victim.
In addition to his alleged involvement in Exelby’s death, Hall is accused of using her credit cards fraudulently.
The investigation revealed that Hall had allegedly attempted to access Exelby’s bank accounts and made unauthorized charges to her British debit card, including a $1,200 payment to Solver Wolf’s Roadside Assistance, where Hall worked.
Hall was arrested on November 17 and remains in Marion County Jail without bond.
Exelby was fatally stabbed four times, an autopsy revealed. Credit: Instagram
The case has shocked both the UK and the US, with authorities pledging to seek justice for Exelby.
FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass condemned the crime, stating: “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.”
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary in the UK has been working alongside U.S. authorities to support Exelby’s family and assist in the ongoing investigation.
