A music teacher from the UK, Sonia Exelby, was allegedly targeted by men on a fetish site before traveling to Florida where she reportedly paid someone to end her life, as claimed by her family.
The remains of the 32-year-old were discovered in a shallow grave last October, shortly after she arrived in Ocala, located northwest of Orlando.
Dwain Hall, a 54-year-old former pizza delivery driver, is facing trial next month for charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping, charges he denies.
Authorities think Exelby, who struggled with depression and body image issues, may have paid Hall to assist in her death following months of online conversations.
Evidence found on her computer indicated she had suicidal thoughts and had traveled to the U.S. with the intent of being harmed by Hall, according to police.
However, her family believes she was manipulated over two years on a site where men intend to harm women, and that her trip was aimed at raising awareness about such dangers.
Barry Wilton, Exelby’s brother, emphasized the necessity of shutting down these websites, stating, “It is an important cause to us all.” He expressed desire for justice, advocating for the maximum possible sentence for Hall.
Reports indicate that Hall, who follows pagan beliefs, purchased supplies like gun cleaner, rope, and a shovel at a Walmart a day before meeting Exelby at Gainesville Regional Airport and taking her to an Airbnb in Reddick.
On October 11, Hall allegedly transferred $1,200 from Exelby’s bank account and recorded a disturbing four-minute video of her. In this video, a visibly injured Exelby purportedly stated she had come to the U.S. to die and was not being coerced.
“I’ve crushed everyone who ever loves me,” she reportedly said, although Hall is said to have deleted the video before law enforcement could access it.
Exelby’s body was located in a wooded area near a highway in Marion Oaks on October 17, and Hall was arrested ten days later for charges involving Exelby’s credit card.
He was subsequently charged with her murder and kidnapping in November and remains in custody without bond.
Sonia’s sister, Gemma Isaj, initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help cover travel expenses for the family to attend the trial. She remarked, “We all have to be there to tell Sonia’s story,” noting the broader issues of mental health and the risks posed by certain websites. “We had our experience with our sister, and we don’t know how extensive it goes.”
