The family of Sonia Exelby, a British woman who traveled to Florida seeking to be murdered, has paid tribute to her memory. Exelby, 32, was found dead in Marion County, Florida, on October 17, after meeting Dwain Hall, 52, in an online fetish chatroom.
Authorities stated that Exelby had traveled to the United States with the intention of meeting individuals who would be willing to kill her violently. Evidence found on her computer indicated she was suicidal and intended to be sexually abused, tortured, and murdered. Hall has been arrested and is expected to face trial later this year.
Police revealed that Exelby had recorded footage detailing how she wished to die. In the recording, Exelby appeared disheveled with bruises and described her desire to be stabbed. Hall, who identified himself with the online name 'alphasadist,' claimed Exelby initiated the interaction and also requested rough sex. Exelby, who had well-documented mental health issues, reportedly told Hall that she felt she was an "awful person" and had "crushed everyone who ever loved me."
Exelby, a digital content creator and the youngest of six siblings, had flown to Florida on October 10 with a return flight booked for October 13. Her family, including her partner of 15 years, Steve Hunt, reported her missing when she did not board her return flight. Hunt had posted an emotional plea on social media, expressing concern that Exelby had arranged to meet someone and had become "extremely vulnerable."
Investigators found Exelby's body in a woodland area. An autopsy revealed she had been stabbed four times. A shovel found at Hall's home contained soil matching the burial site, and blood found on the shovel was confirmed to be Exelby's.
Family members described Exelby as a "truly beautiful person, inside and out," with a "gentlest soul." They recalled her kindness, compassion, and talent, noting her veganism stemmed from an inability to bear animal suffering. Her siblings described her as the "softest most gentle soul" who kept them bound together, leaving an "emptiness that can never be filled."