Authorities in Florida have arrested a 53-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting, torturing, and killing a British woman who had traveled to the United States while experiencing severe suicidal thoughts. The victim, 32-year-old Sonia Exelby of Portsmouth, England, had been reported missing after failing to board her scheduled return flight from Gainesville Regional Airport on October 13.
British police alerted Florida officials after learning that Exelby had expressed intentions online to meet someone who would end her life violently. Days later, her remains were discovered in a shallow grave in the Marion Oaks area of Marion County.
Investigators linked Exelby’s disappearance to Dwain Hall through activity on her credit cards. Hall was taken into custody on November 17 and now faces charges including first-degree murder, kidnapping, credit card fraud, and unlawful use of a communication device.
According to investigators, Hall picked up Exelby from the airport and brought her to an Airbnb rental. Surveillance footage later showed Hall purchasing rope, a shovel, and gun-cleaning materials in the days leading up to Exelby’s death. Authorities say these items aligned with evidence found at the crime scene.
Hall told detectives he had known Exelby for two years through a fetish website and claimed she had expressed a desire to die. He admitted to engaging in sexual acts with her and acknowledged having “violent tendencies.” Police recovered a deleted video from his device showing Exelby bruised and distressed while Hall questioned her. Investigators say he repeatedly attempted to secure her consent for harm, despite indications she was uncertain and wavering.
Digital messages obtained by authorities show Exelby reaching out to a friend via Discord shortly before her death, expressing fear and regret. In one message, she allegedly wrote that Hall had implied “there was no way out unless I shoot him,” and that she had expected a quick death rather than prolonged psychological distress.
Her boyfriend in the UK, Stevie Hunt, posted urgent appeals online as her disappearance gained international attention, describing her struggles with mental health and pleading for help locating her.
Exelby’s body was found on October 17, with autopsy findings indicating she died from four stab wounds. Near the burial site, police recovered packaging from a shovel matching the one Hall had purchased. Investigators later located a knife mailed by Hall to a friend in Ohio; forensic testing revealed traces of blood believed to be Exelby’s.
Hall is currently being held without bond in Marion County Jail.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass praised investigators for their rapid response, stating that the agency would not tolerate “such violent crimes and disregard for human life.” Officials say the case remains active, with additional charges possible as forensic analysis continues.
Source: Africa Publicity
