Florida ‘sadist’ charged after allegedly being hired by UK woman to torture and kill her

A Florida man has been charged with premeditated first-degree murder and kidnapping after authorities allege he was hired by a British woman to torture and kill her. Dwain Hall, 54, of Ocala, Florida, is facing trial on November 5 in Marion County, following the discovery of Sonia Exelby’s body in a shallow grave in Ocala. Exelby, a 36-year-old woman from Portsmouth, England, was reported missing in October 2025 after failing to return home from a trip to the United States. Her family alerted authorities when she did not come back, prompting an investigation that eventually led to her remains being found in a wooded area. According to court records, Hall and Exelby met on a fetish website in 2023, where they discussed topics such as bondage, suicide, and her expressed desire for someone to kill her. Hall, who described himself as a sadist, reportedly began what he called a “mentoring” process with Exelby, as revealed through text messages reviewed by investigators. A Facebook page linked to Hall displayed an interest in Anubis, the Egyptian god of the underworld, suggesting a fascination with themes of death and suffering. Over the course of a year, Exelby allegedly offered to assist Hall in repaying a debt he owed to the IRS, which led them to agree on a financial arrangement. In exchange for $4,000 in cash, Exelby sought Hall’s assistance in carrying out what she described as “what she wanted.” They devised a cover story to explain their actions to their families and potentially law enforcement. The plan culminated in Exelby booking a flight from England to a rural part of North Florida. Investigators noted that this was not her first attempt at arranging her own death. In 2024, authorities in the United Kingdom had already thwarted a similar effort by Exelby, who had planned to travel to meet online individuals willing to kill her violently. Exelby was also known to have mental health diagnoses, according to investigators. This time, however, she left digital traces of her intentions, including evidence on her computer suggesting she was again suicidal and planning to travel to the U.S. to be subjected to sexual abuse, torture, and murder by unknown individuals there. Exelby arrived at Gainesville Regional Airport on the evening of October 10, 2025, with a return flight scheduled for October 13. Hall picked her up in a vehicle and transported her to an Airbnb in Reddick, Florida, approximately 40 minutes away. The property was reserved under her name, according to court records. Before collecting Exelby, Hall made several purchases at a Gainesville Walmart, including gun cleaner, 50 feet of rope, Lume spray deodorant, and sturdy nylon parachute cord. After completing these purchases, he returned for one final item, a shovel. These details were obtained by investigators with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, who examined Walmart receipts and surveillance footage. On October 11, after spending one night with Hall, Exelby sent messages that reflected her distress. She described herself as “so scared” and “so broken,” indicating the emotional toll of the situation. Days later, investigators discovered her body in a shallow grave in Ocala. The case has raised concerns about the dangers posed by online platforms that facilitate harmful interactions, particularly involving individuals with mental health issues. As Hall prepares for trial, authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding Exelby’s death, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and safeguards against such threats.