A vulnerable Southsea woman was found stabbed and buried in a shallow grave after flying to America to be killed, police reveal.
Horrific Discovery in Florida Woods
Sonia Exelby, 32, was discovered brutally stabbed and buried in Marion County, Florida, on October 17. Her disappearance was first reported to Hampshire Police on October 12 after she vanished from her Southsea home.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested 53-year-old Dwain Hall from Ocala, charging him with first-degree murder and kidnapping. Authorities say he was caught after a fast, intensive investigation that uncovered Sonia’s remains within a week of her going missing.
Dark Online Connection and Disturbing Evidence
Investigators believe Sonia flew to Gainesville, Florida, knowing Hall would kill her. Hall met Sonia two years earlier via a fetish website, where she expressed a desire to be killed. He claimed to be her mentor trying to help her, despite admitting to violent tendencies.
On October 10, Hall reportedly picked Sonia up from the airport and took her to an Airbnb in Reddick. Police recovered a deleted video showing Sonia visibly upset and hesitant, as Hall calmly asked for her consent to harm her. In the footage, bruised Sonia nods yes and says, “Because I’m an awful person… I’ve crushed everyone who ever loves me.”
Last Messages Reveal Regret and Fear
Sonia sent a Discord message to a friend revealing her regrets just a day after arriving in Florida: “He made it clear there was no way out unless I shoot him. I thought he’d do it quick and not give my mind time to stew.”
Her boyfriend, Stevie Hunt, had publicly shared a desperate plea for information last month, saying Sonia was “vulnerable” and struggling with mental health. He believed she flew to Florida to meet someone, putting herself in an “extremely vulnerable situation.”
Shovel Evidence and International Police Cooperation
Police found Hall linked to purchases made on Sonia’s credit cards and to a shovel used to bury her. The shovel was bought a day before Hall met Sonia at the airport and was later found in his garage, bearing Sonia’s DNA.
FDLE confirmed they were contacted by UK authorities on October 13 via INTERPOL after Sonia missed her scheduled flight back to England. They located her remains in Marion Oaks on October 17, ruling her death a homicide.
Hall was already in custody on previous fraud charges related to Sonia’s credit cards when he was arrested for murder and kidnapping on November 17.
Law Enforcement Statements
FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass said: “Our agents acted with extraordinary speed and determination to bring justice and closure to the victim’s family. Such violent crimes won’t be tolerated.”
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said: “Our strong partnership with FDLE ensures swift justice for crimes in Florida.”
Hampshire Police spokesperson: “We reported Sonia missing on October 12 after she left the UK. We’re actively working with US authorities and supporting her family.”
Support for Those Struggling
If you’re affected by suicide or in crisis, help is available:
- Cruse Bereavement Care: Free support in Portsmouth, Hampshire and Isle of Wight. Call 0330 555 0129 or visit supportaftersuicideship.org.uk
- Samaritans: Call 116 123 or email [email protected]
- Shout Crisis Text Line: Text HANTS to 85258
- NHS Mental Health Support: Call 111 and select the mental health option, or dial 999 in an emergency
