The man allegedly involved in the death of 32-year-old Portsmouth woman Sonia Exelby has now been identified by US authorities. Exelby travelled to Florida in early October but failed to board her scheduled return flight on 13 October, just three days after landing in the US.
Loved ones described her as a vulnerable person struggling with mental health issues and said in social media posts at the time of her disappearance that they believed she had gone to meet someone she’d contacted online.
After UK authorities contacted the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) through Interpol, a search was launched. Exelby’s body was discovered on 17 October in a shallow grave in a wooded area in Marion Oaks.
Suspect arrested on murder and kidnapping charges
According to Fox 35 Orlando, investigators revealed that Exelby had posted on a fetish website stating she was seeking someone to abuse and kill her. The man accused of carrying out the killing was identified as 53-year-old Dwain Hall.
Hall has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping. He is being held without bond in Marion County. The suspect also faces charges of fraudulent credit card use and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
Dwain Hall, 53, was arrested and charged with her murder on October 18. Credit: Marion County Sheriff's Office.
Records show that a $1,200 payment was charged to Exelby’s British debit card by Solver Wolf’s Roadside Assistance – a company for which Hall is the sole employee.
Alleged contradictions and confession
Police contacted Hall on 13 and 14 October to question him about the credit card transactions. Hall claimed an unfamiliar woman asked him for roadside help, but her card was declined. He also insisted he did not know Exelby.
However, during a later police interview on 17 October, investigators say Hall’s story shifted repeatedly. He eventually admitted to having sex with Exelby several times and said she spoke openly about wanting someone to kill her.
The affidavit states: “Hall knew Exelby suffered from severe mental illness and was suicidal. He claimed that he wanted to help Exelby and did not want her to die, but his actions show differently.”
Authorities say Hall and Exelby first met on a fetish site two years ago, and UK investigators found a letter written by Exelby expressing a desire to be “mutilated and disabled for the rest of her life” if she could reach Hall.
Investigation expands across two countries
FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass condemned the crime, saying: “This type of violent crime and disregard for human life will not be tolerated in our state – those who commit such heinous crimes will be held fully accountable”. The FBI is also involved in the investigation.
Police believe Hall contacted Exelby upon her arrival at Gainesville Regional Airport and then drove her to an Airbnb in Marion County.
Sonia Exelby, 32, was found dead in a shallow grave on October 17. Credit: Instagram.
British authorities, including Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, said they are actively cooperating with US law enforcement. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office is supporting Exelby’s family, according to NBC News.
Autopsy findings and court proceedings
An autopsy concluded that Exelby died from four stab wounds. Investigators later recovered what they believe is the murder weapon – a knife allegedly mailed by Hall to a friend in Ohio. Police say Hall’s DNA was found on it.
Hall appeared in court on 18 November, where Judge Laurie Cotton denied bail, citing the severity of the evidence and public safety concerns. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges as the case moves forward.