Sonia Exelby who allegedly travelled to America to be killed described as the 'most gentle soul' by grieving family
A family has paid tribute to a woman who was murdered after travelling to America
The family of a murdered Portsmouth woman have paid tribute to their loved one describing her as the ‘most gentle soul’ who was ‘kind, compassionate, and full of quiet love.’
The body of Sonia Exelby, 32, was discovered in Marion County, in Florida, on October 17, 2025 after it was reported she travelled to the United States to be killed.
Sonia’s family has today (July 27) released a tribute describing her as a “truly beautiful person, inside and out”. The statement said: “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.
“As the youngest of six, Sonia was deeply loved by all her siblings. She shared an especially close and special bond with her sister Sara, a connection that will never be broken. She was raised by her amazing parents in Porchester, surrounded by love every single day. She built a life filled with that same love, especially with her devoted partner of 15 years, Stevie. Sonia was a wonderful aunty bringing fun and love to her nieces and nephews, she also taught them music.
“Sonia had so many wonderful friends, who describe her as beautiful and caring. One wrote that they had “never known a soul with a bigger or purer heart, and nobody made me feel seen quite like she did.
“Sonia’s siblings describe her as the “softest most gentle soul”. 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 will never get over losing her which has left an emptiness in our lives that can never be filled. The world has lost so much kindness and light, and her absence will be felt by so many people for so many years to come.
“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 and the Isle of Wight Constabulary received a report on Sunday, October 12 that Sonia was missing from her Southsea home, with initial enquiries establishing she had travelled outside of the UK prior to the report being received.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested Dwain Hall, 53, of Ocala, on charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping in the homicide of missing Sonia. Hall, who allegedly met Sonia on a fetish website in 2024, entered a not guilty plea, with a trial is set to take place later this year.
A spokesperson for the police force said they are working with its US counterparts to help the progress of their investigation ahead of an expected trial later this year.