A British woman who travelled to the United States to meet a man she connected with on a fetish website was later found dead in a shallow grave, according to American authorities.
Allegations of a Fatal Encounter
Sonia Exelby, a 32-year-old woman from Portsmouth, arrived in the US on October 10. Her family has stated she struggled with her mental health. It is alleged she had been communicating with Dwain Hall, a 53-year-old Florida resident, on a website catering to specific fetishes.
Investigators claim their online discussions progressed from topics of bondage and suicide to Sonia expressing a desire to be killed by another person. She failed to book her return flight home on October 13, prompting concern.
The Investigation and Arrest
An autopsy report concluded that Sonia died from being stabbed four times with a knife. Police arrested Hall after allegedly linking him to the use of her credit cards. Licence plate reader data obtained by Fox32 reportedly placed his vehicle at Gainesville airport around the time Sonia arrived.
According to an affidavit filed in the case, Hall initially denied knowing the British woman but later admitted to picking her up and driving her to an Airbnb rental property.
Arrest documents state Sonia "left evidence on her computer indicating she was suicidal and travelling to the United States to be sexually abused, tortured and possibly murdered." Hall is also alleged to have told police during an interview that they discussed "bondage, suicide and her desire to have someone kill her."
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Dwain Hall now faces charges of homicide and kidnapping in relation to Sonia Exelby's death. His attorney, Julia Williamson, filed a written plea of not guilty on his behalf. She told The Mirror this plea would stand until they receive the prosecution's evidence, known as Discovery.
Ms Williamson acknowledged some initial delay in the case because Hall was first arrested on lesser charges concerning credit card use, but those were dropped. She added: "At this time my client will be maintaining his right to silence concerning all aspects of the allegations."
The attorney also expressed her condolences, saying: "Perhaps in the future there will be a statement to the friends and family of Ms. Exelby. I express my condolences to all who grieve from this tragic loss. I know it is painful for all involved."
The case continues as authorities in Florida pursue the serious charges against Hall, while a family in Portsmouth mourns a devastating loss.
