28.07.2026 13:10
Sonia Exelby, a woman living in England, made a "death pact" with an American man she met online, but it emerged that after traveling to Florida, she changed her mind and wanted to escape. The young woman was later found dead in a shallow grave in a wooded area, while images and messages from the suspect's phone changed the course of the investigation.
Striking details emerged in the investigation into the death of 32-year-old Sonia Exelby, who lived in Portsmouth, England. According to the investigation file, Exelby, who was struggling with mental health issues, made a "death pact" with an American man named Dwain Hall, whom she met online, to kill her.
CHANGED HER MIND AT THE LAST MOMENT
According to The Telegraph, Exelby bought a one-way ticket and traveled to Florida, USA last year as per the plan. However, shortly after arriving in the US, she changed her mind. Messages entered into police records revealed that the young woman wrote to a friend, "I'm so scared," "He won't let me go," and "I wish I hadn't done this." Authorities assessed that these messages showed Exelby had backed out of the agreement and was trying to escape.
FOOTAGE FROM HIS PHONE WAS BLOOD-CURDLING
Among the most striking evidence of the investigation were images that Hall tried to delete from his cell phone. According to police records, the videos showed Exelby, with bruises on her body, looking exhausted and frightened, while Hall repeatedly asked the young woman, "How do you want to die?"
The prosecution also claimed that Hall made Exelby write a letter addressed to her family and recorded videos in which she said she did everything of her own free will. Authorities assessed that these recordings were part of a preparation to dispel suspicion in a possible murder investigation.
FOUND IN A SHALLOW GRAVE IN A WOODED AREA
Following a search initiated after her relatives reported her missing, Exelby's lifeless body was found in a shallow grave in a wooded area in Marion County, Florida. The forensic examination determined that the young woman was killed with four stab wounds.
Dwain Hall, who was taken into custody, initially claimed in his statement that he did not know Exelby at all. However, when confronted with security camera footage, phone records, and digital evidence, he admitted to meeting the young woman. Police also determined that Hall used Exelby's bank cards and attempted to access the money in her account.
FAMILY'S WORDS BROKE HEARTS
Exelby's family, who made a statement after the murder, described their daughter as "kind, compassionate, and imaginative."
The statement read, "Life was never easy for you. We will remember you not for the pain you endured, but for the love, kindness, and beauty you brought to those around you and left behind."
Dwain Hall, who is detained in Florida, faces charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping, credit card fraud, and tampering with evidence. Hall denies the charges, and the case is expected to be heard in the coming period.