Sister of ‘beautiful’ woman who allegedly flew to US to be killed speaks of ‘nerves’ ahead of trial

The sister of a “beautiful” Portsmouth woman who allegedly flew to America to be killed said “nerves are running on overload” as the family prepares for next week’s trial.

“Kind” Sonia Exelby, 32, was found stabbed to death and buried in woods in Marion County, Florida, on October 17 last year after going missing from Southsea days earlier on October 12.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested local man Dwain Hall, 53, on suspicion of first-degree murder and kidnapping with him due to go on trial for a week on Monday (November 16). Hall had been detained on suspicion of fraudulent use of credit cards and unlawful use of a two-way communication device in connection with Sonia’s case.

Despite facing a significant “financial challenge”, Sonia’s siblings were determined to fly out to America to witness the “extremely distressing” trial and show that “people care about Sonia and that her life mattered”.

A Go Fund Me has helped make that hope become a reality after nearly £9,000 was raised to help cover their costs of flights and accommodation.

With the family in the process of flying out to America, Sonia’s sister Gemma Isaj, spoke of how they are feeling: “Stomach churning, with nerves and emotions running on overload we are all finding it hard to keep grounded this week. We are aware the next couple of weeks are going to be immensely difficult but we are as ready as we can be to face this next step. We are all slowly beginning our journeys to Florida.”

Speaking of the support they have received, Gemma added: “We are so incredibly humbled and grateful for your kindness. Each and every message, share and kind donation has given us the courage and resources to be there for Sonia. You have no idea just how much we are grateful for every single ounce of support. We now have enough to cover the basics of flights and accommodation. This would not be possible for us all to be there if it was not for your kindness.”

Gemma previously told The News: “We can't change what happened to Sonia. We can't bring our sister back. But we can be there for her in this last hurdle.

“We need to stand together as her family. We need to support one another through what we know is going to be an incredibly painful and traumatic experience.”

She added: “If people are able to support us, whether that is through a donation or simply sharing Sonia's story, we will be incredibly grateful. You aren't just helping us with getting to Florida for the trial, you are helping a family stand together for their sister, you are helping us walk into that courtroom knowing that people care about Sonia and that her life mattered.

“And perhaps most importantly, you are helping us make sure that Sonia is remembered for who she really was, rather than simply for the tragedy that took her from us.

“We miss and love her more than words can say. We are devastated and we just want to be there for her to see justice being done.”

You can still donate to the fundraiser here: www.gofundme.com/f/help-sonia-exelbys-family-travel-to-the-trial