A man has been accused of murdering a British woman he met on a fetish website after purchasing several disturbing items from Walmart before picking her up from the airport. Dwain Hall, aged 53, allegedly connected with Sonia Exelby, 32, from Portsmouth, discussing her arrival in Florida for potential torture and harm. Exelby’s body was discovered in a shallow grave in Marion County a week after her arrival on October 10.
An investigation revealed that Exelby had succumbed to four knife wounds, according to a post mortem report. Hall faces charges of kidnapping and first-degree murder, although he has refuted the accusations against him.
Court documents stated that Hall initially denied knowing Sonia but later confessed to fetching her from the airport and driving her to an Airbnb. Surveillance data from license plate readers spotted Hall’s vehicle at Gainesville airport around Sonia’s arrival time.
Bank records and footage showed Hall purchasing various items from Walmart, including paracord, gun cleaner, rope, and Lume spray, followed by a shovel. Allegedly, Sonia left evidence on her computer suggesting suicidal intentions and a desire for abuse and potential murder in the US. Hall reportedly acknowledged discussing bondage, suicide, and Sonia’s wish for someone to end her life during police questioning.
On October 17, Hall was arrested after attempting to use Sonia’s credit cards, claiming he was the last person to see her alive and offering assistance. Hall allegedly mentioned a plan to take Sonia to a wildlife area where she could encounter dangerous animals. He avoided discussing Sonia’s fate and remained silent when asked about her death. Hall’s next court appearance is scheduled for December 23.