A comprehensive autopsy report on the demise of Brit Sonia Exelby has been disclosed following her alleged journey to the United States to meet a man from a fetish website who eventually killed her. Sonia, a 32-year-old woman from Portsmouth, Hampshire, was discovered in a shallow grave in Marion County, Florida, shortly after arriving in the state on October 10 to meet Dwain Hall, 53, the suspected perpetrator. Investigators suggest that Sonia had mental health issues and had planned to travel to the US to meet Hall with the intention of being violently murdered.
The Marion County Medical Examiner conducted a thorough autopsy on October 18, with the findings recently made public in anticipation of Hall’s upcoming court appearance in February. The autopsy revealed that Sonia succumbed to stab wounds in the torso, confirming her death as a homicide. Examination of Sonia’s remains indicated that she was covered in sandy dirt, with her skin discolored and beginning to deteriorate. She had sustained four stab wounds to her torso, two on the left side of her chest, and two on the left side of her back.
The medical examiner determined that the torso wounds ranged from four to six inches in depth, with one back wound estimated at five to seven inches deep and the other at four to six inches. The autopsy report also mentioned additional injuries possibly obscured by post-mortem changes, noting a distinctive “V”-shaped abrasion on the right side of her neck.
Furthermore, the toxicology report, conducted on October 30 and released recently, indicated the likely presence of cannabinoids in Sonia’s system, along with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.064. The Cleveland Clinic explained that a blood alcohol content between 0.05% and 0.08% could lead to decreased inhibition, reduced alertness, and impaired judgment. Hall came under suspicion after authorities connected him to multiple attempts to transfer funds from Sonia’s bank account.
During police questioning, Hall provided inconsistent statements regarding his acquaintance with Sonia and their meeting. Surveillance footage identified a vehicle linked to Hall near the time of Sonia’s arrival at Gainsville airport. Subsequently, Hall was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping following the recovery of Sonia’s remains. His attorney, Julia Williamson, stated that he entered a plea of not guilty and would maintain his right to silence until presented with the prosecution’s evidence.
Williamson expressed condolences to those affected by the tragedy and hinted at a potential future statement to Sonia’s friends and family. She emphasized the need for sensitivity and respect in handling the case. For support, individuals can contact the Samaritans helpline at 116 123 or visit their website for assistance.