A man accused of murdering a suicidal British woman who travelled to the United States has made a series of shocking claims during phone calls to his wife from prison, according to official records.
The Fatal Journey to Florida
Sonia Exelby, a 32-year-old woman from Portsmouth, Hampshire, landed in Tallahassee, Florida, on 10 October to meet a man she had connected with on a fetish website. Her body was discovered three days later, on 13 October, in a wooded area of Marion Oaks after she failed to board her return flight to the UK.
Friends who learned of her travel immediately raised concerns, fearing Sonia, who had a history of mental health struggles, had entered an extremely dangerous situation. Investigators later confirmed evidence on her computer indicated she had travelled to America with the intent of being sexually abused, tortured, and possibly murdered.
Disturbing Prison Calls and Allegations
The suspect, Dwain Hall, 53, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping. From Marion County Jail, he made numerous calls and video visits to his wife, Ginger Stein. Transcripts reveal Hall stating he didn't believe he was "ever coming home."
He told his wife, "It is a lot to deal with, I'm sorry... like I said initially we needed money but we didn't need it this bad." Ginger replied that she had a bad feeling and should have forbidden him from meeting Sonia. Hall expressed fear that when "all the s**t about this case starts coming out it is going to look so f****g bad."
Police linked Hall to transactions made with Sonia's credit cards. He allegedly claimed she had promised him $4,000 (approx. £3,000) to help with tax debt and became angry when she arrived without the cash. He later withdrew £900 from her UK bank account.
A Victim's Desperate Pleas and a Change of Heart
Tragically, evidence suggests Sonia Exelby may have regretted her decision but found herself trapped. Police obtained footage allegedly showing Hall filming a bruised Sonia, questioning why she was there and how she wanted to die. She stated she wanted to be stabbed, but detectives noted she appeared hesitant and upset.
More damning evidence came from messages Sonia sent to a friend via Discord on 11 October. She wrote, "I'm sorry he keeps taking my phone... He made it clear there was no way out unless I shoot him. I was questioning it last night."
She described being locked in a room with no signal, adding, "I thought he'd do it quick and not give my mind time to stew and realise this is the last thing I'll ever say to anyone." Her final messages read, "I'm so scared I'm so broken and in so much pain all I can do is lay here and doing what he wants."
Hall's Defence and the Brutal Reality
In his jailhouse calls, Hall, who changed his story multiple times, presented a warped defence. He claimed, "I was trying to help somebody... I am not the monster that they are painting me out to be. It was just compassion and love - I tried to give Sonia what she wanted."
He argued a person should have the right to choose to die and select who helps them, concluding, "I did something out of love and compassion for another human being and this is the thanks he gets."
This narrative starkly contradicts the autopsy findings. The Marion County Medical Examiner's report, finalised on 4 November, ruled Sonia's death a homicide. She suffered four stab wounds to her torso, between four to seven inches deep, which injured her aorta, oesophagus, stomach, spleen, pancreas, and left kidney.
Hall's attorney, Julia Williamson, filed a written plea of not guilty. She stated Hall maintains his right to silence and offered condolences, noting the case is "painful for all involved." Hall is expected in court in February.
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.
