Vulnerable British Woman Murdered in Florida After Online Pact
A vulnerable British woman, Sonia Exelby, was discovered stabbed to death and buried in a shallow grave in the US state of Florida after reportedly seeking a 'violent death' online. The 32-year-old, who had a history of mental health problems, had flown to Florida after arranging to meet 'online individuals who would be willing to kill her violently', according to a police affidavit.
A Desperate Journey and a Grisly Discovery
Fears for Ms Exelby's wellbeing escalated after she failed to board her return flight to the UK. Her body was discovered by police officers on Friday, October 17. Despite her earlier declared wish to be killed, investigators believe she was being threatened and controlled before her death. Dwain Hall, 53, was subsequently arrested and faces charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping in connection with the case.
Evidence suggests Ms Exelby had second thoughts. She sent a message to a friend about Hall, stating: 'He made it clear there was no way out unless I shoot him. I was questioning it last night. I can’t kill anyone.' The police affidavit stated this message showed 'Hall was controlling her, that she was afraid, and had made a mistake.'
History of Suicidal Intent and a Chilling Video
This was not the first time Ms Exelby had attempted to travel to the US for this purpose. The affidavit revealed she had made contact with Americans last year with the same hope but was prevented from going. More recently, evidence on 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 said Hall and Exelby met at an Airbnb property on October 10 and had sex. Hall then allegedly filmed a video of Ms Exelby where she was covered in bruises and made to answer disclaimer questions about her wish to be killed. The video was deleted but recovered by police. The affidavit describes her as 'subdued, rarely looks up towards the camera... becomes visibly upset with tears in her eyes, exhales deeply, swallows hard, and very hesitant to answer Hall’s questions.'
Investigation and Aftermath
Hall was identified as a suspect after police linked him to a bank account that had allegedly attempted to transfer money from Ms Exelby's account several times after her death. In a voluntary interview, Hall initially claimed he helped an unknown woman by the roadside, but later admitted he had sex with Ms Exelby and discussed her desire to be killed.
The police affidavit concluded: '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 Florida Department of Law Enforcement confirmed the remains were those of the missing English woman and her death was ruled a homicide.
FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass stated, 'This type of violent crime and disregard for human life will not be tolerated in our state.' In the UK, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed they are liaising with US authorities and the Foreign Office to support Sonia's family.
