A British woman, Sonia Exelby, traveled to Florida with a disturbing intention of being “sexually abused and potentially murdered” by a man she met online. Days before her disappearance, she recorded a video with Dwayne Hall, her alleged killer, where she openly discussed her desire to die.
This chilling video was filmed on October 11 inside an Airbnb in Reddick. In it, Exelby, 32, appeared unkempt and bore visible bruises and injuries, according to an arrest affidavit.
The police obtained this footage from Hall’s phone just two days before Exelby was reported missing after not returning to the UK as planned on October 13.
Hall reportedly claimed that Exelby was supposed to bring $4,000 for the IRS but could only withdraw $1,200 before her card was declined.
During the video, Exelby sat calmly, often avoiding the camera, and shared her reasons for wanting to die. She stated, “Because I’m a terrible person. I’ve destroyed everyone who has ever loved me,” while becoming visibly emotional.
When asked how she wanted to die, Exelby hesitated but eventually mentioned being stabbed. Hall echoed her sentiment, saying, “This is how I wanted to die, right? I wanted to be beaten and suffer because I was so mean.” Over the course of the 4-minute recording, Exelby frequently sought reassurance that she was consenting to the situation, to which Hall confirmed.
On the same day the video was made, Exelby messaged someone on Discord expressing uncertainty about going through with her thoughts on death. She mentioned feeling trapped, saying, “He made it clear there was no way out unless I shot him.”
Exelby also revealed Hall’s detailed instructions on using a gun and reported feeling fearful and heartbroken while lying there. She conveyed a sense of resignation, stating that she felt he respected her choices despite the dire situation.
Furthermore, she indicated that Hall had her record multiple disclaimer videos as a kind of sick joke he found amusing.
Hall claimed to have met Exelby on a fetish website, where he purportedly tried to support her in improving her life, insisting he didn’t wish for her to take her own life.
In interviews, Hall made confusing statements, which he later explained were part of a cover story intended to alleviate any perceived burden on Exelby. He never disclosed where her body was located, adhering to his promise of keeping it hidden.
Authorities found Exelby’s remains in a shallow grave in Marion Oaks on October 17. Her death has been classified as a homicide, caused by four sharp wounds believed to be inflicted by a knife.
Hall has been charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping following Exelby’s disappearance. He was already incarcerated on October 18 for credit card fraud and improper use of communication devices.
On November 17, he pleaded not guilty to the charges of murder and kidnapping and is currently being held in Marion County Jail without bail.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for confidential support in New York City or reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988 for assistance elsewhere.
