Florida Man Arrested for Killing British Woman Who Flew to the U.S. After Meeting Him Online
MARION COUNTY, FL — Authorities in Florida have arrested a 53-year-old man in connection with the murder of British citizen Sonia Exelby, who reportedly traveled to the United States to meet the suspect after a disturbing online exchange.
Police say the woman’s remains were discovered in Marion Oaks, several days after she was reported missing in mid-October.
Disturbing Case of Online Connection Turned Deadly
According to investigators, Exelby and the suspect met online and discussed what police have described as a “disturbing plan” prior to her death.
The British woman was last heard from on October 13, the same day she was scheduled to fly back home to the United Kingdom. When she missed her flight, family members raised concerns and reported her missing.
Days later, officers found her body in a wooded area of Marion Oaks, where the medical examiner determined she had died from an apparent homicide.
Police allege the suspect, identified as Dwain Hall, had maintained online contact with Exelby and persuaded her to travel to Florida.
Suspect Arrested After Joint Investigation
Authorities from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office arrested Hall on November 17, following weeks of investigation into Exelby’s disappearance.
Detectives have not yet released the full details of how Exelby died, but officials confirmed that she was sexually assaulted and killed shortly after arriving in the state.
Exelby’s case has drawn international attention, with British outlets reporting that she may have knowingly entered a dangerous encounter arranged online.
“This is one of the most distressing cases we’ve handled — where online communication escalated into real-world tragedy,” one law enforcement source told reporters.
Online Safety Concerns Spark International Discussion
The shocking details of the case have reignited global discussions about online safety and digital relationship risks.
Experts warn that meeting strangers through online platforms can present unpredictable dangers, particularly when international travel and isolation are involved.
Authorities in both the U.S. and U.K. are now cooperating to trace the online exchanges between Exelby and Hall, hoping to uncover the extent of premeditation in the crime.
Family and Community Reaction
Friends and relatives of Exelby have described her as “vibrant, intelligent, and kind-hearted,” expressing heartbreak over the devastating outcome of what began as an online connection.
The British Embassy in Washington has confirmed that it is assisting the victim’s family and coordinating with Florida authorities on the ongoing case.
As the investigation continues, prosecutors in Marion County are expected to file formal homicide charges against Hall in the coming days.
This developing case continues to highlight the dangers of online relationships that escalate without proper safeguards.
Stay tuned for further updates at NapervilleLocal.com.
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