Family of British woman who 'flew to the US to be violently murdered' share emotional message

Warning: This article contains references to suicide that some readers may find distressing.

The family of a British woman believed to have been 'violently murdered' in the US has released a statement, paying tribute to 'a truly beautiful person, inside and out'.

Sonia Exelby, from Portsmouth, was just 32 when she died. She had travelled to Florida in October last year, and her loved ones reported her missing after she failed to board a flight home.

Exelby's partner, Steve Hunt, shared a desperate appeal for help at the time, saying: "We believe she has arranged to meet someone there and has got herself into an extremely vulnerable situation. That’s all I can really say on that."

According to police, Exelby had 'travelled to the United States with the intention of meeting with online individuals who would be willing to kill her violently'.

Sonia Exelby was found dead in woodland in Florida last year (Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary)

They added that material found on her computer suggested she was 'suicidal and travelling to the US to be possibly sexually abused, tortured and murdered by unknown individuals'.

Law enforcement officers tragically found Exelby's body in Marion County, Florida, on 17 October.

They proceeded to arrest Dwain Hall, 53, on charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping, and he is expected to face trial in November.

A post-mortem examination revealed Exelby had been stabbed four times, and a shovel found at Hall's home matched the soil at the woodland site where she was buried.

The Exelby family statement

Exelby's family has now released a statement via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, saying she 'was a truly beautiful person, inside and out'.

"She had the gentlest soul – so gentle that she chose to become vegan, because she couldn’t bear the thought of any animal suffering just so she could eat. That was who she was: kind, compassionate, and full of quiet love," they said.

The family spoke of her talent, revealing she 'could play the piano so effortlessly, and when she sang, she had the voice of an angel'.

The statement continued: "Being around her felt special — she brought a calmness and warmth that made everything feel a little lighter.

"Sonia was one of those rare people who made you feel completely safe to be yourself. She never judged, never criticised – she simply accepted people as they were and loved them for it. That is something so many of us will carry with us forever."

One of six siblings, they spoke of Exelby as the 'baby' of the family: "She was softly spoken and always gave the best most intense hugs. She was the baby out of us that kept us bound together."

Dwain Hall has been charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping (Florida Department of Law Enforcement)

The family went on to say: "She shared an especially close and special bond with her sister Sara, a connection that will never be broken. She was raised by her amazing parents in Porchester, surrounded by love every single day. She built a life filled with that same love, especially with her devoted partner of 15 years, Stevie.

"Sonia was a wonderful aunty bringing fun and love to her nieces and nephews, she also taught them music. Sonia had so many wonderful friends, who describe her as beautiful and caring.

"We will never get over losing her, which has left an emptiness in our lives that can never be filled. The world has lost so much kindness and light, and her absence will be felt by so many people for so many years to come."

They added: "We know that life wasn’t always easy for you, but your life was so much more than the struggles you faced. This is so important to us that the life you lived is what you are remembered for.

"You were deeply loved, and you will always be deeply loved. We miss you more than words can ever say. We love you so much, always, and forever."

Hall was denied bail in November last year.

The judge told him: "Under these circumstances, there is no bond that would assure your presence in court, keep the community safe.

"And the facts of this case - there is a large amount of evidence against you."

Hall denies all charges against him.

Timeline of events leading up to the death of Sonia Exelby

10 October 2025

According to Fox Orlando, citing law enforcement officials, Sonia landed at Gainesville Regional Airport on the evening of 10 October and was collected by Hall at 6.30pm and driven to an Airbnb she'd reserved for her trip.

Prior to her arrival, investigators say Hall purchased paracord (a type of nylon rope), gun cleaner, rope, Lume Spray and a shovel at his local Walmart.

11 October

In the early afternoon, Hall charges Sonia’s bank card $1,200 (£918) from his business.

At 3.30pm, a vehicle which matches the description of Hall's emergency roadside business is spotted outside the Airbnb. It is around this time that Hall allegedly records a video of Sonia showing her with cuts and bruises across her body and asks her to consent to being stabbed.

She later contacts a friend and sends messages over Discord such as: "I’m so, so scared. I’m so broken and in so much pain," and: "I thought he’d do it quick and not give my mind time to stew."

12 October

Hall purchases a piece of tarp. Surveillance footage later shows someone moving in front of his car.

He then drives to the location where Sonia's body was later found.

13 October

Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) receives an alert from British authorities regarding a missing and vulnerable person.

Hall is later interviewed by law enforcement before messaging a friend, writing '[there] might be a big storm coming for me'.

14 October

Hall is interviewed once again regarding the charges made to Sonia's card. He also sends a package to a friend in Ohio, which includes a knife containing Sonia's blood and a bracelet containing both of their DNA.

17 October

Hall is arrested on charges of fraud and unlawful use of a two-way communication device. These are later dropped.

Sonia's body is discovered by law enforcement, buried in a shallow grave.

18 October

An autopsy determined that she likely died from injuries caused by a knife.

27 October

Hall contacts his wife and asks her to look out for a package from a friend.

31 October

Facebook messages between Hall and his contact in Ohio are read by authorities, who later search his home, where the alleged murder weapon is recovered.

17 November

Dwain Hall is arrested and charged with the kidnapping and killing of Sonia Exelby. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

18 November

Hall is denied bail and will remain in jail until his trial.

22 April 2026

Hall appears in court to be told he will be tried on charges of kidnapping and murdering Sonia Exelby.

16 November 2026

Jury selection expected to begin for Hall's trial.

If you're experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is there to support you. They're open from 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year. Their national number is 0800 58 58 58 and they also have a webchat service if you're not comfortable talking on the phone.