Family of British Woman Murdered in Florida Issues Tribute

The family of Sonia Exelby, a 32-year-old British woman found dead in Florida last year, has released an emotional tribute describing her as a "truly beautiful person" with "the gentlest soul" as a man she met online awaits trial for her murder. Dwain Hall, 53, of Ocala, Florida, has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping. Jury selection in his trial is scheduled to begin in November 2026.

Exelby, a music tutor from Portsmouth, Hampshire, traveled to the United States on October 10, 2025, flying into Gainesville Regional Airport. She was reported missing in the UK on October 12 after failing to board her scheduled return flight three days later. Her body was discovered in a shallow grave in woodland in Marion Oaks, Marion County, on October 17, 2025. A post-mortem examination ruled her death a homicide, finding she had suffered four stab wounds to the torso.

In a statement issued through Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, Exelby's family remembered her as a compassionate vegan, an incredibly talented pianist and singer, and a devoted partner of 15 years. They described her as the youngest of six siblings who shared a particularly close bond with...