Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.
An American man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a woman from Portsmouth who flew to the United States seeking a violent death, reports claim.
Concerns were first raised for Sonia Exelby, 32, after she failed to board her return flight from Florida on 13 October three days after she had initially arrived in the US.
A social media post shared by a loved one after her disappearance described the Brit as a 'vulnerable person' who was 'struggling deeply' with her mental health.
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"We believe she has arranged to meet someone there and has got herself into an extremely vulnerable situation," it stated. "That's all I can really say on that."
Authorities in the UK then got in touch with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) via Interpol in the hopes of tracking Exelby down.
Sadly, her body was discovered in a shallow grave in a wooded area on 17 October.
Police in the US have since revealed that Exelby had shared a post on a fetish website explaining she was searching for someone to abuse and kill her, according to Fox 35 Orlando.
Dwain Hall, 53, is alleged to have taken her up on this offer and on Monday (17 November), he was arrested on charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping in connection to Exelby's death.
Cops said he was 'already incarcerated on prior charges' upon his latest arrest, as he had been taken into custody after being accused of fraudulently using Exelby's credit cards and the unlawful use of a communication device.
This digital paper trail is reportedly what allowed cops to piece together who Exelby had flown to the US to meet.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by People, the 32-year-old penned a letter discussing how she wanted to be 'mutilated and disabled for the rest of her life' if she could 'manage to get to him'.
Hall was denied bail during a court appearance earlier this week, with Judge Laurie Cotton saying: "Under these circumstances, that 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."
Hall allegedly collected Exelby from Gainesville Regional Airport upon her arrival across the pond, before the pair drove to an Airbnb in Marion County.
Investigators say that he was seen on surveillance video purchasing a gun cleaner, rope, and a shovel - which was later found to have both his and Exelby's DNA on it - shortly before this, Fox 35 reports.
Hall, who has alleged that he wanted to help the 32-year-old, has claimed that he and Exelby had sex several times at the Airbnb.
Footage is alleged to have been found on his phone which showed the Brit 'covered in bruises', while Exelby is said to have sent messages to a pal saying she was in pain and 'expressing regret'.
She is alleged to have written: "He made it clear there was no way out unless I shoot him. I was questioning it last night...I thought he’d do it quick and not give my mind time to stew."
In the video, which Hall later deleted, the American is said to be seen trying to gain her permission to continue harming her - and although she appeared 'hesitant', she reportedly nodded her head.
Exelby also allegedly explains why she was there in the clip, as she is heard saying: "Because I'm an awful person. I've crushed everyone who ever loves me."
Hall has told police that he met the Portsmouth woman on a fetish website two years ago before she informed him that she was suicidal and wanted to be murdered.
An autopsy concluded that Exelby died after suffering four stab wounds from a knife - which Hall reportedly posted to a friend in Ohio, before cops found the alleged murder weapon. It is said to have Exelby's DNA on it.
FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass said of the horror case: "Our agents worked with extraordinary speed and unwavering determination to ensure justice was served and closure was brought to the victim’s family.
"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."
Hall has reportedly pleaded not guilty to all four charges he is facing, according to People.
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: US News, UK News, Crime, Mental Health
Olivia Burke