A vulnerable British woman who traveled to Florida seeking a violent death was discovered buried in a shallow grave, according to police reports. The tragic case has revealed disturbing details about online predators exploiting individuals with mental health challenges.
The Disappearance and Discovery
Sonia Exelby, 32, from England, had been struggling with mental health issues when she made the fateful decision to travel to the United States. Authorities became concerned when she failed to return home as scheduled on her flight. Her remains were ultimately discovered on Friday, October 17 in Marion County, Florida.
According to police documents, Exelby had been communicating with Americans online, expressing her desire to be "violently killed." This wasn't her first attempt - records indicate she had tried to arrange similar travel the previous year but was prevented from doing so.
The Suspect and Evidence
Dwain Hall, 53, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping in connection with Exelby's death. Police identified him as a suspect after discovering he had attempted to transfer money from Exelby's bank account multiple times following her disappearance.
Evidence recovered from Exelby's laptop revealed her suicidal intentions, including desires to be "sexually abused, tortured, and murdered by unknown individuals living in the United States." Police documents state that Hall was aware of Exelby's mental state and suicidal thoughts.
Disturbing Video Evidence
One of the most chilling pieces of evidence recovered was a video that Hall allegedly made of Exelby. In the footage, she appeared covered in bruises and was forced to answer disclaimer questions about her wish to be killed. Although the video was deleted, law enforcement managed to recover it.
Police noted that during the recording, Exelby appeared subdued, rarely looked at the camera, became visibly upset with tears in her eyes, and hesitated to answer Hall's questions - behavior that contradicted the notion that she was a willing participant.
Second Thoughts and Control
Despite initially seeking her own death, evidence suggests Exelby had second thoughts. She sent a message to a friend about Hall, writing: "He made it clear there was no way out unless I shoot him. I was questioning it last night. I can't kill anyone."
Police interpreted this message as proof that Hall was controlling her, that she was afraid, and had realized she made a mistake. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement confirmed that her death was ruled a homicide after examination of her remains.
Before her disappearance, Exelby's boyfriend, Stevie Hunt, had expressed concerns about her vulnerability and mental health struggles. He believed she had traveled to Florida to meet someone, placing herself in an "extremely vulnerable situation."
FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass emphasized that "this type of violent crime and disregard for human life will not be tolerated in our state - those who commit such heinous crimes will be held fully accountable." Meanwhile, UK authorities are assisting with the investigation and providing support to Exelby's family.
