A British woman traveled to Florida with a shocking plan: to have someone end her life.
Sonia Exelby, 32, of Portsmouth, England, was reported missing after failing to return home, and authorities say Dwain Hall, 53, a married man from Ocala, played a central role in her death.
Hall now faces charges including first-degree murder, kidnapping, credit card fraud and unlawful use of a communication device and remains in custody as investigators continue their probe.
According to KGNS, Exelby arrived at Gainesville Regional Airport on Oct. 10. When she did not board her return flight three days later, UK authorities contacted the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) through INTERPOL.
Reports indicate that Exelby had a history of mental health challenges, including suicidal ideation and had expressed concern about meeting people who could harm her. Law enforcement described her travel as a deliberate effort to engage someone willing to carry out her death.
Authorities traced Hall through surveillance footage and credit card transactions.
Investigators say he picked Exelby up from the airport and transported her to an Airbnb in Reddick, Florida.
Hall reportedly first connected with Exelby on a fetish-focused website two years earlier.
During that time, she had repeatedly shared thoughts of self-harm, while Hall presented himself as a mentor attempting to guide her, though he admitted to violent tendencies, FOX 35 reports.
At the Airbnb, Hall engaged in sexual activity with Exelby and recorded a video later deleted from his devices. Investigators recovered footage showing Exelby with bruising, appearing hesitant and upset, according to NewsNation.
In one recorded exchange, Hall asked why she had traveled to Florida, and she responded, “Because I’m an awful person. I’ve crushed everyone who ever loves me.”
Police described Hall’s behavior as coercive, noting that Exelby’s compliance was influenced by fear and mental distress.
Messages Exelby sent on Oct. 11 via Discord further illustrate the control Hall exerted.
She wrote, “He made it clear there was no way out unless I shoot him. I was questioning it last night… I thought he’d do it quick and not give my mind time to stew.”
Authorities say these communications demonstrate Hall exercised control, contributing to her vulnerability.
Exelby’s body was discovered in a shallow grave in Marion County on Oct. 17, according to WCBJ. Investigators recovered a shovel purchased by Hall prior to her arrival, which was later found in his garage with Exelby’s DNA.
An autopsy confirmed she died from four stab wounds. Authorities also recovered a knife mailed by Hall to an associate in Ohio, which tested positive for her blood.
License plate reader data, surveillance footage, and bank records placed Hall at multiple locations connected to the crime.
Investigators reconstructed a timeline showing Hall coordinating Exelby’s trip, controlling her during her stay and preparing for her death.
Records indicate she had previously attempted to hire someone to kill her in 2024, a plan that was thwarted.
Hall’s background includes minor offenses and prior residences in Tallahassee and Canton, Ohio. Neighbors described unsettling behavior, including neglect of pets and aggressive social media activity.
Law enforcement officials described the case as unusual and alarming.
FDLE and local authorities emphasized that messages, recovered video and other evidence demonstrate a premeditated and coercive environment surrounding Exelby’s death.
Hall remains in custody while investigators continue examining potential accomplices and related communications, and authorities urge anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts to contact the 988 Lifeline.
