British woman killed in Florida was 'gentlest soul', family says, after man arrested for murder

The family of a British woman killed in Florida say she was "deeply loved" and had "the gentlest soul".

Sonia Exelby, 32, was reported missing from her property in Southsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire, on 12 October last year and initial police inquiries established she had already left the country.

Her body was discovered by police in Marion County, Florida, on 17 October.

Dwain Hall, 53, of Ocala, was subsequently arrested on charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).

He had already been detained on charges of fraudulently using Ms Exelby's credit cards. His trial is expected in November.

A document about the case from the Marion County Sheriff's Office, seen by Sky News, noted that Ms Exelby had long struggled with her mental health.

It went on to say she had previously "planned to travel to the United States with the intention of meeting with online individuals who would be willing to kill her violently".

Paying tribute, Sonia's family said she was "a truly beautiful person, inside and out".

They continued: "She had the gentlest soul - so gentle that she chose to become vegan, because she couldn't bear the thought of any animal suffering just so she could eat.

"That was who she was: kind, compassionate, and full of quiet love.

"She was incredibly talented. Sonia could play the piano so effortlessly, and when she sang, she had the voice of an angel. Being around her felt special - she brought a calmness and warmth that made everything feel a little lighter.

"Sonia was one of those rare people who made you feel completely safe to be yourself. She never judged, never criticised - she simply accepted people as they were and loved them for it. That is something so many of us will carry with us forever."

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The youngest of six children, the family said she was "deeply loved by all her siblings".

The family added: "She shared an especially close and special bond with her sister Sara, a connection that will never be broken.

"She was softly spoken and always gave the best most intense hugs. She was the baby out of us that kept us bound together.

"We know that life wasn't always easy for you, but your life was so much more than the struggles you faced. This is so important to us that the life you lived is what you are remembered for.

"You were deeply loved, and you will always be deeply loved. We miss you more than words can ever say. We love you so much, always, and forever."

Hampshire Constabulary said it was continuing to support the FDLE investigation, while specially-trained officers were assisting Ms Exelby's family in the UK.

(c) Sky News 2026: British woman killed in Florida was 'gentlest soul', family says, after man arrested for murder