Man arrested in Florida over murder and kidnap of ‘vulnerable’ British woman
A British woman has been found dead in the US after reportedly contacting a man in Florida to request a violent death.
Sonia Exelby, 32, was reported missing by loved ones in Portsmouth after she failed to board her return flight from Gainesville Regional Airport on October 13.
After UK police requested assistance to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) via Interpol, an investigation was launched that led to the discovery of his body in Marion County on October 17.
Dwain Hall, 53, was arrested by investigators in connection with credit card fraud and is now facing charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping, credit card fraud and unlawful use of a communications device.
In social media posts at the time of her disappearance, her boyfriend said Ms Exelby had arranged to meet someone and was believed to have been placed in an “extremely vulnerable” situation.
Analysis of his remains confirmed his identity and showed that the cause of death was a stab wound.
She reportedly met Hall on a website and informed him that she was suicidal before traveling to meet him.
“Our agents worked with extraordinary speed and unwavering determination to ensure justice was served and closure to the victim’s family,” said FDLE commissioner Mark Glass. “Such violent crimes and disregard for human life will not be tolerated in our state; those who commit such heinous crimes will be held fully accountable.”
“Florida’s tough-on-crime stance is due in large part to the professional collaboration between local and state law enforcement. This strong partnership between my office and the FDLE will continue to come together and bring swift justice,” said Billy Woods, Marion County sheriff.
Police forces involved in the investigation included the FBI and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.
Police said: “Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary received a report that Sonia Exelby, 32, was missing from her home in Southsea on Sunday 12 October.
“Initial investigations established that he had traveled outside the UK prior to the report being received.
“Our officers are liaising with US authorities to assist with their ongoing investigations, including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCDO), where Sonia is believed to have traveled to provide support to her family in the UK.”
