‘Shopping List’ Preceded Alleged Murder in Warped Suicide Pact
Police in Florida have detailed a horrifying sequence of events leading to the death of a British woman, after arresting a suspect who allegedly purchased specific items just hours after her arrival. Dwain Hall, a 53-year-old car mechanic, now faces charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping in connection with the death of Sonia Exelby, 32, from Portsmouth.
A Fatal Journey to Florida
According to a police affidavit, Sonia Exelby flew from the UK to Gainesville Regional Airport with the stated intent of meeting ‘online individuals who would be willing to kill her violently’. The court document alleges she was ‘suicidal and travelling to the United States to be possibly sexually abused, tortured and murdered’.
Investigators state that Hall and Exelby had been communicating online for two years. Just hours after picking her up from the airport on October 11, Hall was captured on CCTV at a supermarket. A receipt shows he bought paracord, gun cleaner, rope, and deodorant. He returned moments later to purchase a shovel.
Hall then drove Exelby to an Airbnb rental in Reddick, Marion County, which she had reportedly paid for using her credit card before leaving the UK.
Desperate Messages and a Change of Heart
Heartbreakingly, evidence suggests that Exelby regretted her decision but found herself trapped. Through messages on Discord to a friend, she described a terrifying situation. ‘He made it clear there was no way out unless I shoot him,’ one message read.
She added, ‘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.’ In a video recorded by Hall, which was later reviewed by detectives, Exelby was seen with bruising on her face, neck, and breasts. Officials noted she appeared hesitant and visibly upset, a stark contrast to her alleged initial desires.
Her remains were discovered days later, on October 13, after she failed to board her return flight. She was found buried in a shallow grave in woodland in Marion Oaks, Florida. An autopsy confirmed she died from four stab wounds.
Investigation and Evidence Mount Against Suspect
Police allege that Hall’s story changed multiple times during questioning. He initially claimed Exelby had promised him $4,000 to help with tax debt but became angry when she arrived without the cash. He later admitted they had discussed bondage, suicide, and her desire to be killed.
Hall reportedly forced Exelby to record three disclaimer videos and write a letter to her family because he thought it was ‘funny’. After her death, authorities say Hall sent a package to a friend in Ohio, which was found to contain a seven-inch Tanto blade with Exelby’s blood on it. A shovel from his garage also contained traces of her DNA.
Hall was apprehended on October 17 after allegedly attempting to use Exelby’s Tesco debit card to withdraw $1,200. He had previously made seven failed attempts to use her bank cards.
During his first court appearance, Judge Laurie Cotton declared that no bond would be set, citing the large amount of evidence and the nature of the charges. Hall’s lawyer, Julia Williamson, has entered a not-guilty plea. If convicted, Hall could face the death penalty.
The Foreign Office has confirmed it is providing support to Exelby’s family and is in contact with Florida authorities.
