Southsea woman flown to Florida to be murdered found stabbed and buried in shallow grave
Shocking Murder Uncovered in Florida Woods
Sonia Exelby, 32, was found stabbed and buried in a shallow grave in Marion County, Florida, on October 17. She vanished from her Southsea home days earlier and was reported missing to Hampshire Police on October 12.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested 53-year-old Dwain Hall from Ocala, charging him with first-degree murder and kidnapping. Hall’s arrest followed a rapid investigation that led to Sonia’s body being discovered within a week of her disappearance.
Twisted Online Bond Behind the Killing
Police believe Sonia flew to Florida, fully aware that Hall would kill her. The pair met two years ago through a fetish website where Sonia expressed a disturbing wish to be killed. Hall claimed to be her “mentor” while admitting violent tendencies.
On October 10, Hall picked up Sonia from Gainesville airport and took her to an Airbnb in nearby Reddick. Authorities recovered a deleted video where Sonia, bruised and visibly distressed, appears to consent to Hall harming her. She says tearfully, “Because I’m an awful person… I’ve crushed everyone who ever loves me.”
Last Messages Show Fear and Regret
The day after arriving in Florida, Sonia messaged a friend on Discord, revealing chilling doubts: “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 warned the public last month that Sonia was “vulnerable” and battling mental health issues. He feared her trip to Florida put her in an “extremely vulnerable situation.”
Shovel, Credit Cards, and Global Police Team-Up
- Hall was connected to purchases made on Sonia’s credit cards after she went missing.
- A shovel with Sonia’s DNA, bought a day before her arrival, was found in Hall’s garage — likely used to bury her body.
- UK police alerted their US counterparts through INTERPOL after Sonia missed her return flight on October 13.
- Her remains were found in Marion Oaks on October 17 and ruled a homicide.
- Hall was already in custody on fraud charges linked to Sonia’s credit cards when he was hit with murder and kidnapping charges on November 17.
Police Speak Out
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 said: “We reported Sonia missing on October 12 after she left the UK. We are working closely with US authorities and supporting her family.”
Help Is Available for Those Struggling
If you or someone you know is in crisis, don’t suffer alone. Get help now:
- Cruse Bereavement Care: Free support in Portsmouth, Hampshire & 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 (choose mental health option) or dial 999 in emergencies
