Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.
The 'man from a fetish site' who was said to be allegedly involved in the death of a woman from Portsmouth has been revealed.
Sonia Exelby, 32, flew out to the US last month, but failed to board her return flight from Florida on 13 October, just three days after her arrival.
Described as a 'vulnerable person' who was suffering with mental health issues in a social media post shared by a loved one following her disappearance, they said they believed she 'arranged to meet someone there'.
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After authorities in the UK reached out to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) via Interpol, the woman's body was found in a shallow grave in a wooded area in Marion Oaks, Florida, on 17 October.
As reported by Fox 35 Orlando, American law enforcement revealed that Exelby was suicidal and posted on a ‘fetish website’, saying that she was looking for someone to abuse and kill her.
The man allegedly responsible for the Brit's death was named as Dwain Hall, who has since been arrested on charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping in relation to Exelby's death.
The 53-year-old, who is behind bars without bond, was also arrested on charges of fraudulently using credit cards and the 'unlawful use of a two-way device', say records from Marion County.
A payment of $1,200 (£920) was charged to a British debit card belonging to Exelby by a company called Solver Wolf's Roadside Assistance, with Hall being the only employee.
The affidavit further details that police called the suspect on both 13 and 14 October to enquire about the alleged card transactions, as he claimed that an unknown woman asked for roadside assistance, though her card was declined.
Despite claiming he didn't know Exelby, an interview with police on 17 October revealed several alleged inconsistencies in his accounts of events and interactions with her.
He would then allegedly admit that he had sex with her numerous times and that she spoke about her desire to have someone kill her, with the affidavit stating: "Hall knew Exelby suffered from severe mental illness and was suicidal. He claimed that he wanted to help Exelby and did not want her to die, but his actions show differently."
FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass said in a statement: "This type of violent crime and disregard for human life will not be tolerated in our state - those who commit such heinous crimes will be held fully accountable," adding that the FBI were also involved.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary in the U.K. also said in a statement to NBC that they were working with US authorities to help with the ongoing investigation, while the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCDO) provided support for Exelby's family in the UK.
The 53-year-old said he met Exelby on a 'fetish site' two years ago, with UK investigators also discovering that she'd even written a letter speaking about her desire to be 'mutilated and disabled for the rest of her life' if she could get to Hall.
On Tuesday (18 November), Hall was denied bail during a court appearance, as Judge Laurie Cotton stated: "Under these circumstances, there is no bond that would assure your presence in court, keep the community safe. And the facts of this case - there is a large amount of evidence against you."
It is alleged that Hall contacted Exelby at Gainesville Regional Airport upon her arrival, then drove her to an Airbnb in Marion County, Florida.
After the discovery of her body, an autopsy found that Exelby died as a result of four stab wounds from a knife, which was posted to Hall's friend in Ohio, before police found the suspected murder weapon, which is said to contain Hall's DNA.
It is reported that he has pleaded not guilty to all four charges.
If you're experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is there to support you. They're open from 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year. Their national number is 0800 58 58 58, and they also have a webchat service if you're not comfortable talking on the phone.
Topics: Mental Health, US News, UK News, Crime
Joshua Nair