An examination has revealed details about the tragic final hours of a British woman who purportedly journeyed to the United States with the aim of being fatally harmed by an individual she met on a fetish website.
Sonia Exelby, a 32-year-old woman from Portsmouth, Hampshire, was discovered in a wooded area of Marion Oaks, Florida, after she did not board her return flight to the UK on October 13. Investigators stated that Sonia left digital traces indicating her suicidal intentions and her travel to the US for potential sexual abuse, torture, and murder.
Subsequently, Florida law enforcement arrested Dwain Hall on charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping following the recovery of Sonia’s remains from a shallow grave. According to an autopsy report obtained by The Mirror, the distressing circumstances leading to Sonia’s demise were revealed.
The Marion County Medical Examiner’s report disclosed that Sonia had been stabbed four times and sustained injuries to various organs including her aorta, esophagus, stomach, spleen, pancreas, and left kidney. The final report, dated November 4, determined that Sonia’s death resulted from stab wounds to her torso and was classified as a homicide.
The autopsy detailed that Sonia had suffered stab wounds ranging from four to seven inches deep and noted the presence of a distinct “dried, red-orange, ‘V’-shaped abrasion.”
A toxicology analysis identified the likely presence of cannabinoids in Sonia’s system, compounds commonly found in cannabis, along with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.064.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a blood alcohol concentration between 0.05% and 0.08% could lead to decreased alertness, impaired judgment, and inhibition. Documents were shared with The Mirror as part of the Discovery process preceding the trial to gather factual information.
Family members of Sonia mentioned her struggles with mental health and her flight to the US on October 10. Hall was apprehended after attempting to use Sonia’s credit cards. Initially denying any acquaintance with Sonia, Hall later confessed to picking her up and driving her to an Airbnb.
Data from license plate readers placed Hall’s vehicle at Gainsville airport during Sonia’s arrival time. Hall reportedly admitted during police questioning that he and Sonia had discussed bondage, suicide, and her desire for someone to end her life.
Julia Williamson, Hall’s attorney, informed The Mirror that he is scheduled to appear in court in February and has entered a plea of not guilty. She stated that Hall will maintain his right to remain silent regarding the allegations until the evidence against him is disclosed.
She expressed condolences to those mourning Sonia’s loss and hinted at a potential future statement to Sonia’s friends and family, acknowledging the painful impact of the tragedy on all involved.