A man accused of murdering a British woman he met on a fetish website purchased four disturbing items from Walmart before collecting her from the airport.
Dwain Hall, aged 53, allegedly connected with Sonia Exelby, 32, from Portsmouth, following discussions about her visit to Florida for experiences involving torture and potential harm. Exelby’s remains were discovered in a shallow grave in Marion County a week after her arrival in the state on October 10.
A post mortem examination revealed that Exelby had suffered four stab wounds with a knife. Hall faces charges of kidnapping and first-degree murder, though he has refuted the allegations against him.
According to an affidavit – a legal document used as evidence in the US – Hall originally denied knowing Sonia, but later confessed to picking her up and driving her to an Airbnb. Records obtained by Fox32 show license plate readers capturing Hall’s vehicle at Gainesville airport around the time of Sonia’s arrival.
Bank statements and surveillance footage reportedly indicate that Hall visited a Walmart where he bought items including paracord, gun cleaner, rope, and Lume spray. Shortly after, he returned to purchase a shovel from the same store.
Legal documents state that Sonia had “left evidence on her computer suggesting suicidal tendencies and a trip to the US for potential sexual abuse, torture, and murder.” Hall purportedly admitted during police questioning that he and Sonia had discussed bondage, suicide, and her wish for someone to end her life.
Hall was taken into custody on October 17 when he allegedly tried to use Sonia’s credit cards to withdraw $1,200 (£918). When asked about Sonia, he reportedly claimed to have been the last person to see her alive and offered assistance.
According to the document, Hall suggested taking Sonia to Alligator Alley where she could encounter wildlife that might pose a threat to her. When questioned if the Everglades would be dangerous enough for her, he implied he would have ensured violence beforehand. Hall gestured as if indicating physical harm towards Sonia.
Hall reportedly avoided discussing Sonia’s fate and when asked directly if he had caused her death, he responded that he could not provide an answer. Hall’s next court appearance is scheduled for December 23.
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