An autopsy report has revealed new details about the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of a British woman who traveled to the United States with the intention of meeting a man she connected with on a fetish website.
Sonia Exelby, a 32-year-old woman from Portsmouth, Hampshire, was discovered deceased in a wooded area in Marion Oaks, Florida, after missing her return flight to the UK on October 13. Investigators disclosed that Sonia had left digital evidence indicating her suicidal intentions and her plan to engage in activities involving abuse, torture, and potentially murder.
Following the recovery of Sonia’s remains from a shallow grave, Florida authorities arrested Dwain Hall on charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping. The Marion County Medical Examiner’s report detailed the injuries sustained by Sonia, including four stab wounds and damage to vital organs such as her aorta, esophagus, stomach, spleen, pancreas, and left kidney. The examination concluded that Sonia’s cause of death was attributed to the stab wounds, ruling it a homicide.
The autopsy report specified that Sonia had sustained stab wounds ranging from four to seven inches deep, in addition to a distinct “V”-shaped abrasion. Furthermore, toxicology results indicated the presence of cannabinoids and a blood alcohol concentration of 0.064 in Sonia’s system.
Medical experts noted that a blood alcohol concentration within the range found in Sonia’s body could lead to decreased alertness, impaired judgment, and inhibited behavior. Information from the discovery process, where parties gather evidence before trial, shed light on the conversations between Sonia and Hall regarding bondage, suicide, and her expressed desire for someone to end her life.
Representing Hall, Attorney Julia Williamson stated his plea of not guilty and anticipated his court appearance in February. She emphasized Hall’s decision to remain silent on the allegations and extended condolences to Sonia’s family and friends affected by the tragic loss.
The legal proceedings are ongoing, with Hall facing serious charges related to Sonia’s death as the investigation continues.