Florida Man Awaits Trial Accused of Murdering UK Woman

A Florida man, Dwain Hall, is awaiting trial after being charged with the murder of a British woman, Sonia Exelby. She traveled from the UK to the US under a troubling agreement with Hall. According to court records, Exelby paid Hall to fulfill a plan in which she aimed to be “sexually abused, tortured, and murdered.” Exelby went missing in October 2025, leading to her family’s report to authorities.

Discovery of the Crime

Investigators found Exelby’s body buried in a shallow grave in Ocala, Florida, days after her disappearance. Hall, aged 54, faces charges of premeditated, first-degree murder and kidnapping. His trial is set for November 5 in Marion County.

The Online Plan

The events began in 2023 when Hall and Exelby met on a fetish website. Court documents reveal discussions about bondage, suicide, and her wish for someone to kill her. Hall, identifying as a sadist, purportedly took a mentoring role in their exchanges. Investigators say Exelby agreed to pay Hall $4,000 to settle his IRS debt in exchange for fulfilling her desires. This agreement included a supposed cover story to explain her travels. Exelby had previous mental health issues, and UK authorities had stopped a similar plan in 2024.

Travel to the United States

Exelby flew to Gainesville, Florida, on October 10, 2025, planning to return on October 13. She met Hall and stayed at an Airbnb in Reddick, Florida. Hall made purchases at a local Walmart, including a shovel, rope, and gun cleaner, which raised investigators’ suspicions.

Fear and Messages

The night after her arrival, Exelby sent distressing messages to a friend via Discord. She expressed regret and fear, stating Hall had her phone and restricted her movements due to mistrust. She feared for her life, unsure if she would survive to return to the UK. Hall allegedly forced her to record disclaimer videos and write to her family, which she described as a terrifying experience.

Bank Activity and Discovery

While Exelby was missing, charges on her debit card linked to Hall’s business led authorities to him. On October 17, her body was discovered with stab wounds, and evidence linked Hall to the crime scene. A torn shovel label found in the grave’s dirt matched the one bought at Walmart.

Apprehension and Evidence

Hall was stopped by deputies while driving near Ocala. Before his arrest, he contacted a friend about a package containing personal items, suggesting the possibility of legal troubles. Investigators retrieved a knife from the package, engraved humorously, which matched Exelby’s blood. Initially, Hall denied knowing Exelby but later admitted to filming her under changed circumstances.

Video Evidence

A video captured by Hall and later recovered shows Exelby, visibly distressed, responding to his coercive questions. Despite her distress, she answered to satisfy his demands, confirming a desire to suffer, as Hall interpreted.

The case against Hall involves several pieces of evidence and testimony. He remains incarcerated in the Marion County Jail, facing six felony charges.