An investigation into the final moments of a British woman who traveled to the US with plans of meeting a man from a fetish website has been revealed through an autopsy report.
Sonia Exelby, 32, hailing from Portsmouth, Hampshire, was discovered in a wooded area in Marion Oaks, Florida, after missing her return flight to the UK on October 13. Investigators stated that Sonia left digital evidence indicating her suicidal intentions and her journey to the US for potential sexual abuse, torture, and 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 autopsy report from the Marion County Medical Examiner disclosed that Sonia had been stabbed four times, sustaining severe injuries to various organs. Her death, caused by stab wounds to the torso, was classified as a homicide.
The autopsy detailed the depth of Sonia’s stab wounds, ranging from four to seven inches, and highlighted a distinctive “V”-shaped abrasion on her body. Additionally, toxicology results revealed the presence of cannabinoids and a blood alcohol concentration of 0.064 in Sonia’s system.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a blood alcohol concentration between 0.05% and 0.08% can lead to decreased alertness and impaired judgment. Sonia’s family mentioned her mental health struggles and her departure to the US on October 10. Hall was apprehended after attempting to use Sonia’s credit cards, and evidence placed him at the airport during Sonia’s arrival.
During police interviews, Hall confessed to discussions with Sonia about bondage, suicide, and her request for someone to end her life. Hall is expected to appear in court in February, with his attorney, Julia Williamson, asserting his not guilty plea until the evidence is presented.
Williamson expressed condolences to Sonia’s loved ones and emphasized Hall’s current decision to remain silent regarding the case. She acknowledged the pain experienced by all parties involved in this tragic incident.