Family Pays Tribute to Briton in Florida Murder Case

The family of a British woman believed to have been murdered in the United States have paid tribute to her as a "truly beautiful" person, remembering her kindness, compassion and gentle nature.

Sonia Exelby, 32, disappeared from her home in Southsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire, on 12 October. Her body was discovered five days later in Marion County, Florida.

A 53-year-old Florida man, Dwain Hall, has been arrested by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on suspicion of first-degree murder and kidnapping. A trial is expected later this year. Hall was already being held on separate allegations of fraudulent use of credit cards and unlawful use of a two-way communication device in connection with the investigation.

Family remembers a compassionate woman

In a statement, Exelby's family described her as someone whose kindness shaped every aspect of her life.

They said she had "the gentlest soul", explaining that she became vegan because she could not bear the thought of animals suffering. They said she was compassionate, caring and quietly loving towards those around her.

The family also highlighted her musical talent, saying she played the piano with ease and had "the voice of an angel" when she sang. They described her presence as calming and said she made those around her feel accepted without judgement.

Exelby was the youngest of six children and grew up in the Hampshire village of Porchester. Her relatives said she was deeply loved by her siblings and had shared a devoted relationship with her partner for 15 years.

They added that she brought joy to her nieces and nephews and was treasured by friends, one of whom said they had "never known a soul with a bigger or purer heart".

Lasting sense of loss

The family said her death had left an irreplaceable void in their lives and that her absence would be felt for many years.

They also acknowledged that she had faced difficulties during her life but said they wanted her to be remembered for who she was rather than the challenges she experienced.

"You were deeply loved, and you will always be deeply loved," the statement concluded.

UK and US authorities continue investigation

Hampshire Constabulary said it received a missing person report on 12 October after Exelby disappeared from her Southsea home. Initial enquiries established that she had travelled outside the UK before she was reported missing.

The force said investigators in the United States were continuing their inquiry into her death, while officers in Hampshire were assisting the American authorities and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Police added that specially trained officers were continuing to support Exelby's family in the UK.

A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it was providing assistance to the family of the British national and remained in contact with local authorities in Florida.

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28 July 2026

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