Authorities in Florida have arrested a man in connection with the murder of British woman Sonia Exelby, who allegedly traveled to the United States to be sexually assaulted and killed after meeting her suspected killer online.
According to PEOPLE, Exelby was reported missing after she missed her flight home to the U.K. on October 13. A few days later, her remains were found in Marion Oaks, where investigators determined she died from an apparent homicide. Police said Exelby and the suspect met online and had discussed a disturbing plan prior to her death.
Police say they reportedly met online and discussed a plan before her death. On Monday, November 17, officials from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office arrested 53-year-old Dwain Hall in connection with the killing.
Victim Allegedly Planned Trip to Be “Sexually Abused, Tortured, and Possibly Murdered”
Investigators revealed that Exelby’s computer contained writings indicating she was suicidal and had planned her trip to the U.S. with the intention of being harmed. Investigators found writings in Exelby’s computer where she noted that she was suicidal and wanted to travel to the United States to be sexually abused, tortured, and possibly murdered.’
An arrest affidavit also noted that Exelby had previously contacted multiple people in the U.S. seeking help with this plan. Authorities said that during the investigation, they found a suicide letter from Exelby that expressed hopefulness if her plan succeeded.
Suspect Identified Through Financial Activity and Inconsistent Statements
Investigators traced Dwain Hall after discovering attempts to transfer money from Exelby’s bank account multiple times since October 11. When questioned by police, Hall initially denied knowing Exelby, but later admitted to having multiple sexual encounters with her.
During a voluntary police interview, Hall reportedly gave inconsistent stories about his interactions with Exelby and initially claimed that he didn’t know her before admitting that they had sex multiple times. He also told investigators that he and Exelby discussed her plans to die and her desire to have someone kill her. He allegedly said that if he had to help her, he would’ve taken her to Alligator Alley to dispose her remains.”
Despite the evidence, Hall did not confess to the murder, instead making a chilling remark about her death. He said that ‘she’s happy now because she got what she wanted.’”
Messages Reveal Exelby Tried to Back Out of the Plan
The affidavit also revealed that Exelby had second thoughts before her death and messaged a friend on Discord, saying that someone was holding her against her will.
In one of her last known messages, Exelby wrote about being trapped and fearing for her life.’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 in the message.
Dwain Hall Charged with Murder and Kidnapping
Following his arrest, Dwain Hall was formally charged with murder and kidnapping, though authorities say the investigation remains ongoing.
Officials are still examining forensic evidence and digital records to determine how Exelby was killed and whether anyone else may have been involved. Hall is currently being held in custody without bond.