Key Highlights
- A woman from the United Kingdom traveled to the U.S. to have a man in Florida kill her last month.
- Dwain Hall, 53, is charged with first-degree murder and other crimes related to the death of Sonia Exelby.
- Exelby was found dead in a shallow grave in Marion County, Florida, on October 17, 2025.
Murder Plot Unraveled: UK Woman’s Tragic Journey to the U.S.
The tragic story of Sonia Exelby, a 32-year-old woman from Portsmouth, England, who traveled across the Atlantic Ocean with the intent to seek a violent death at the hands of a Florida resident, has unfolded in Marion County, Florida. The case has attracted international attention due to its complexity and the involvement of law enforcement agencies from both countries.
According to investigation reports obtained by TV20, Exelby was found dead on October 17, 2025, in a shallow grave near SW 30th Terrace and SW 27th Circle in Marion County. The body bore evidence of four stab wounds from a knife, leading authorities to charge Dwain Hall, 53, with first-degree murder.
Travel and Initial Contact
The journey began on October 10, 2025, when Exelby arrived at the Gainesville Regional Airport. She was picked up by Hall from the airport and taken to an Airbnb in Reddick, Florida. Over the next few days, Hall allegedly interacted with Exelby through a fetish website called Motherless.com, where he initially presented himself as a mentor willing to help her.
Control and Coercion
Exelby’s communication with friends revealed that she was under control and feared for her safety. A message she sent on October 11 via Discord stated, “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.” This indicates a significant degree of manipulation by Hall.
During the stay at the Airbnb, Hall reportedly took multiple videos of Exelby, one of which showed her disheveled with bruises all over her body. He attempted to gain consent for harmful actions through questioning and probing. These acts suggest that Hall was preparing both physically and psychologically for the planned murder.
Forensic Evidence
The investigation uncovered a package mailed by Hall to a friend in Ohio, which contained a knife tested positive for blood and likely Exelby’s DNA. Additionally, a shovel found in his garage had fingerprints matching those of Exelby and was consistent with the grave where her body was discovered.
Implications and Expert Analysis
The case raises significant questions about the growing trend of international crime involving individuals seeking violent deaths or facilitating such actions. INTERPOL’s involvement highlights the global nature of these crimes, requiring cooperation between law enforcement agencies from different countries to combat them effectively.
Experts in forensic psychology and criminal behavior warn that cases like this highlight the need for enhanced mental health support systems not only in the UK but also internationally. They emphasize that such services should be more accessible to those struggling with suicidal thoughts or other severe mental health issues, providing a safer alternative to seeking lethal assistance from unknown individuals.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Sonia Exelby and the subsequent arrest of Dwain Hall serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with complex international crimes. As this case unfolds, it underscores the importance of continued cooperation between nations to address these emerging threats effectively.
