Sonia Exelby was found to have suffered stab wounds, according to her autopsy (Image: Facebook)
The family of a British woman believed to have been murdered in Florida after vanishing from her home in the UK described her as a “truly beautiful person” and “the gentlest soul”.
Sonia Exelby was reported missing from her address in Southsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire, on October 12 last year, by which point initial police enquiries confirmed she had already departed the country. Her body was subsequently discovered by American investigators in Marion County, Florida, on October 17.
Dwain Hall, 53, of Ocala, was later arrested on charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). He had already been detained in connection with the alleged fraudulent use of Ms Exelby’s credit cards.
A post-mortem report revealed Sonia died as a result of being stabbed four times with a knife, with wounds ranging from four to seven inches deep. Sonia reportedly encountered Hall through a fetish website.
Last November, the Express reported that police believed the 32-year-old had travelled to the US to meet Hall, who later claimed Sonia had been suicidal and wanted to be killed.
However, Hall insisted he had acted as a mentor figure who was trying to help her, according to an arrest warrant published by TV20. He also admitted having violent tendencies after a post-mortem examination concluded Sonia died after being stabbed four times with a knife.
Investigators said Hall collected Sonia from a Florida airport and took her to an Airbnb in Reddick, Marion County. He allegedly admitted having sex with her multiple times and recording videos, which he later deleted.
Police said Hall gave different accounts of events during the investigation. He allegedly claimed Sonia had promised to give him $4,000 (£3,000) to help pay off his IRS debt, but that he became angry when she arrived in the US without the money.
Footage reviewed by investigators was said to show Sonia with bruises across her body, while police said Hall pressured her to consent to being harmed. Police also said messages sent by Sonia to friends on Discord showed that Hall was controlling her, that she was frightened and that she believed she had made a mistake.
In a statement issued by Hampshire Police on behalf of the family, they said: “Sonia was a truly beautiful person, inside and out.”
“She had the gentlest soul – so gentle that she chose to become vegan, because she couldn’t bear the thought of any animal suffering just so she could eat. That was who she was: kind, compassionate, and full of quiet love.
“She was incredibly talented. Sonia could play the piano so effortlessly, and when she sang, she had the voice of an angel. Being around her felt special – she brought a calmness and warmth that made everything feel a little lighter.
“Sonia was one of those rare people who made you feel completely safe to be yourself. She never judged, never criticised – she simply accepted people as they were and loved them for it. That is something so many of us will carry with us forever.”
The youngest of six children, the family described her as “deeply loved by all her siblings”.
Dwain Hall will appear in court again later this year (Image: Court TV)
They continued: “She was softly spoken and always gave the best most intense hugs. She was the baby out of us that kept us bound together.
“We will never get over losing her, which has left an emptiness in our lives that can never be filled. The world has lost so much kindness and light, and her absence will be felt by so many people for so many years to come.
“We know that life wasn’t always easy for you, but your life was so much more than the struggles you faced. This is so important to us that the life you lived is what you are remembered for.
“You were deeply loved, and you will always be deeply loved. We miss you more than words can ever say. We love you so much, always, and forever.”
Sonia Exelby was reported missing from her UK address on October 12 last year (Image: Family Handout/PA Wire)
Hampshire Constabulary stated: “We received a report on Sunday October 12 that Sonia was missing from her home in Southsea.
“Initial inquiries established that she had travelled outside of the UK prior to the report being received.”
The force confirmed it was continuing to support the FDLE investigation, while specially trained officers were providing support to Ms Exelby’s family in the UK.
Hall is anticipated to stand trial in November.
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.