A vulnerable British woman was discovered stabbed to death and buried in a shallow grave in Florida after reportedly arranging online to meet individuals who would kill her violently.
Tragic discovery in Marion County
Sonia Exelby, 32, who had a history of mental health problems, travelled to Florida after communicating with 'online individuals who would be willing to kill her violently', according to police documents. Her body was found on Friday, October 17 in Marion County, Florida.
Concerns for Ms Exelby's welfare escalated when she failed to board her return flight to the UK. Police subsequently discovered her remains in a shallow grave, with evidence indicating she had been stabbed to death.
Disturbing messages reveal changing mind
Despite initially expressing wishes for a violent death, authorities believe Ms Exelby was being threatened and controlled before her murder. In a message to a friend about suspect Dwain Hall, 53, she appeared to have second thoughts, writing: 'He made it clear there was no way out unless I shoot him. I was questioning it last night. I can't kill anyone.'
Police stated this message demonstrated that 'Hall was controlling her, that she was afraid, and had made a mistake'. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement confirmed the remains were identified as the missing English woman and her death was ruled a homicide.
Previous attempts and disturbing evidence
According to investigation documents, Ms Exelby had previously attempted to contact Americans about travelling to the US to be killed last year but was prevented. Evidence recovered from her laptop indicated she had become suicidal again and wanted to travel 'to be possibly sexually abused, tortured, and murdered by unknown individuals living in the United States.'
Police revealed that Hall and Exelby met at an Airbnb property on October 10 and had sexual relations. Hall allegedly recorded a video showing Ms Exelby covered in bruises while she answered disclaimer questions about her death wish. Although deleted, police managed to recover the footage.
'Throughout the conversation Exelby is subdued, rarely looks up towards the camera where Hall would be positioned, becomes visibly upset with tears in her eyes, exhales deeply, swallows hard, and very hesitant to answer Hall's questions,' the police affidavit detailed.
Suspect identified and arrested
Hall was identified as a suspect after police traced him to a bank account that allegedly attempted multiple transfers from Ms Exelby's account following her death. Dwain Hall has been arrested on charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping.
During a voluntary interview, Hall initially claimed he encountered an unknown woman by the roadside whose cards were declined and who begged for help. He later admitted to having sex with Ms Exelby multiple times and discussing her desire to be killed.
'Hall knew Exelby suffered from severe mental illness and was suicidal. He claimed that he wanted to help Exelby and did not want her to die but his actions show differently,' the police affidavit stated.
Official responses and family impact
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass declared: '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.'
Ms Exelby's boyfriend, Stevie Hunt, had previously made desperate appeals for information, describing Sonia as 'vulnerable' and struggling with mental health issues. He expressed belief that she had flown to Florida to meet someone, placing herself in an 'extremely vulnerable situation'.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed their officers are liaising with US authorities, including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, to assist the ongoing investigation and support Sonia's family in the UK.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article, support is available. The Samaritans can be contacted free any time on 116 123 or via email at jo@samaritans.org.
