Topline: Authorities say Dwain Hall faces murder and kidnapping counts in the death of Sonia Exelby.
Published: November 23, 2025 9:33 am ET
Must Read
Left: Dwain Hall, Right: Sonia Exelby (via Marion County Jail/Facebook)
MARION OAKS, FL — Authorities arrested a Florida man in connection with the killing of a British woman who traveled to the United States after expressing a desire to be sexually abused and possibly murdered.
Dwain Hall, 53, was taken into custody Nov. 17 by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. He is charged with murder and kidnapping in the death of Sonia Exelby, 53, of Portsmouth, England.
Exelby’s remains were discovered in Marion Oaks within days of her being reported missing, according to an FDLE statement. Investigators determined she died by homicide.
The case began Oct. 13, when authorities learned Exelby had missed a scheduled flight back to the United Kingdom. She was not identified in the initial FDLE release, but an arrest affidavit obtained by People magazine later named her.
Authorities discovered writings on Exelby’s computer stating she was suicidal. The documents showed she traveled to the United States intending to be “sexually abused, tortured, and possibly murdered.”
In a separate letter, she wrote that meeting the person could leave her “mutilated and disabled for the rest of my life.”
Detectives identified Hall as a suspect after tracing fraudulent attempts to transfer money from Exelby’s bank account beginning Oct. 11.
Hall voluntarily spoke with police Oct. 17, but his statements conflicted, according to the affidavit. He first denied knowing Exelby, then admitted to having sex with her multiple times and discussing “bondage, suicide, and her desire to have someone kill her.”
When asked if he killed her, Hall declined to answer but said, “She’s happy now because she got what she wanted,” the affidavit stated.
He also allegedly suggested that if he had assisted her, he would have taken her to Alligator Alley, where wildlife “would have taken care of her,” according to investigators.
At the time of his arrest on murder and kidnapping charges, Hall was already jailed on unrelated counts of fraudulent use of a credit card and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
Evidence later suggested Exelby may have reconsidered her plan. In a Discord message to a friend, she said a man was holding her against her will. “He made it clear there was no way out unless I shoot him. I was questioning it last night. I can’t kill anyone,” she wrote, according to the affidavit.
The affidavit also claims the man forced her to record three disclaimer messages and write a letter to her family “because he thought it was funny.”
Police reviewed a cell phone video allegedly showing Hall prompting Exelby to answer questions about how she wanted to die. While she gave responses, she appeared hesitant, as per the affidavit.
On Oct. 16, a loved one posted on social media that Exelby was vulnerable and struggling with mental health issues. The family believed she had arranged to meet someone in Tallahassee and had placed herself in a dangerous situation.
Hall has pleaded not guilty to all four charges, including murder, kidnapping, and the earlier fraud counts, according to online court records.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7, or use online chat services. If you are outside the U.S., local resources are available through international crisis hotlines.
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Florida Man Charged with Murder After U.K. Woman Seeking Abuse is Killed
Authorities say Dwain Hall faces murder and kidnapping counts in the death of Sonia Exelby.
By Kate Byrd
Published: November 23, 2025 9:33 am ET
Left: Dwain Hall, Right: Sonia Exelby (via Marion County Jail/Facebook)
MARION OAKS, FL — Authorities arrested a Florida man in connection with the killing of a British woman who traveled to the United States after expressing a desire to be sexually abused and possibly murdered.
Dwain Hall, 53, was taken into custody Nov. 17 by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. He is charged with murder and kidnapping in the death of Sonia Exelby, 53, of Portsmouth, England.
Exelby’s remains were discovered in Marion Oaks within days of her being reported missing, according to an FDLE statement. Investigators determined she died by homicide.
The case began Oct. 13, when authorities learned Exelby had missed a scheduled flight back to the United Kingdom. She was not identified in the initial FDLE release, but an arrest affidavit obtained by People magazine later named her.
Authorities discovered writings on Exelby’s computer stating she was suicidal. The documents showed she traveled to the United States intending to be “sexually abused, tortured, and possibly murdered.”
In a separate letter, she wrote that meeting the person could leave her “mutilated and disabled for the rest of my life.”
Detectives identified Hall as a suspect after tracing fraudulent attempts to transfer money from Exelby’s bank account beginning Oct. 11.
Hall voluntarily spoke with police Oct. 17, but his statements conflicted, according to the affidavit. He first denied knowing Exelby, then admitted to having sex with her multiple times and discussing “bondage, suicide, and her desire to have someone kill her.”
When asked if he killed her, Hall declined to answer but said, “She’s happy now because she got what she wanted,” the affidavit stated.
He also allegedly suggested that if he had assisted her, he would have taken her to Alligator Alley, where wildlife “would have taken care of her,” according to investigators.
At the time of his arrest on murder and kidnapping charges, Hall was already jailed on unrelated counts of fraudulent use of a credit card and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
Evidence later suggested Exelby may have reconsidered her plan. In a Discord message to a friend, she said a man was holding her against her will. “He made it clear there was no way out unless I shoot him. I was questioning it last night. I can’t kill anyone,” she wrote, according to the affidavit.
The affidavit also claims the man forced her to record three disclaimer messages and write a letter to her family “because he thought it was funny.”
Police reviewed a cell phone video allegedly showing Hall prompting Exelby to answer questions about how she wanted to die. While she gave responses, she appeared hesitant, as per the affidavit.
On Oct. 16, a loved one posted on social media that Exelby was vulnerable and struggling with mental health issues. The family believed she had arranged to meet someone in Tallahassee and had placed herself in a dangerous situation.
Hall has pleaded not guilty to all four charges, including murder, kidnapping, and the earlier fraud counts, according to online court records.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
Must Read
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Florida Man Charged with Murder After U.K. Woman Seeking Abuse is Killed
Authorities say Dwain Hall faces murder and kidnapping counts in the death of Sonia Exelby.
By Kate Byrd
Published: November 23, 2025 9:33 am ET
Left: Dwain Hall, Right: Sonia Exelby (via Marion County Jail/Facebook)
MARION OAKS, FL — Authorities arrested a Florida man in connection with the killing of a British woman who traveled to the United States after expressing a desire to be sexually abused and possibly murdered.
Dwain Hall, 53, was taken into custody Nov. 17 by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. He is charged with murder and kidnapping in the death of Sonia Exelby, 53, of Portsmouth, England.
Exelby’s remains were discovered in Marion Oaks within days of her being reported missing, according to an FDLE statement. Investigators determined she died by homicide.
The case began Oct. 13, when authorities learned Exelby had missed a scheduled flight back to the United Kingdom. She was not identified in the initial FDLE release, but an arrest affidavit obtained by People magazine later named her.
Authorities discovered writings on Exelby’s computer stating she was suicidal. The documents showed she traveled to the United States intending to be “sexually abused, tortured, and possibly murdered.”
In a separate letter, she wrote that meeting the person could leave her “mutilated and disabled for the rest of my life.”
Detectives identified Hall as a suspect after tracing fraudulent attempts to transfer money from Exelby’s bank account beginning Oct. 11.
Hall voluntarily spoke with police Oct. 17, but his statements conflicted, according to the affidavit. He first denied knowing Exelby, then admitted to having sex with her multiple times and discussing “bondage, suicide, and her desire to have someone kill her.”
When asked if he killed her, Hall declined to answer but said, “She’s happy now because she got what she wanted,” the affidavit stated.
He also allegedly suggested that if he had assisted her, he would have taken her to Alligator Alley, where wildlife “would have taken care of her,” according to investigators.
At the time of his arrest on murder and kidnapping charges, Hall was already jailed on unrelated counts of fraudulent use of a credit card and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
Evidence later suggested Exelby may have reconsidered her plan. In a Discord message to a friend, she said a man was holding her against her will. “He made it clear there was no way out unless I shoot him. I was questioning it last night. I can’t kill anyone,” she wrote, according to the affidavit.
The affidavit also claims the man forced her to record three disclaimer messages and write a letter to her family “because he thought it was funny.”
Police reviewed a cell phone video allegedly showing Hall prompting Exelby to answer questions about how she wanted to die. While she gave responses, she appeared hesitant, as per the affidavit.
On Oct. 16, a loved one posted on social media that Exelby was vulnerable and struggling with mental health issues. The family believed she had arranged to meet someone in Tallahassee and had placed herself in a dangerous situation.
Hall has pleaded not guilty to all four charges, including murder, kidnapping, and the earlier fraud counts, according to online court records.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
Must Read
