A man from Florida is set to face trial later this year for the alleged murder of a woman he met on a fetish website. Dwain Hall, aged 54, has pleaded not guilty to the charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping of Brit Sonia Exelby, 32. Sonia, who traveled from Portsmouth to the US, was found dead after being stabbed four times. Hall initially denied knowing Sonia but later admitted to having had sexual relations with her. The trial, scheduled to commence on November 16 with jury selection, will take place in Marion County, Florida and is anticipated to last around a week.
Sonia’s body was discovered in a shallow grave in woodland after she failed to return to London on October 13. She had conversations with a man from the fetish website that escalated to discussions about her desire to be killed. Investigators found messages where Sonia expressed feeling trapped in the situation. Despite Hall’s refusal to confirm if he killed Sonia, he made remarks implying she got what she wanted. Sonia’s loved ones mentioned her mental health struggles and vulnerability in the situation. If in need of emotional support, individuals can contact the Samaritans helpline or visit their website.