The grieving family of a young British woman believed to have been killed in the United States has portrayed her as a “truly beautiful individual” with a “kind soul.” Sonia Exelby’s parents have publicly shared memories of the 32-year-old music teacher for the first time, describing her as “brimming with gentle affection.”
Ms. Exelby was discovered deceased in Marion County, Florida, five days after disappearing from her residence in Portsmouth, Hampshire. According to a filed affidavit in the US, the woman had been grappling with mental health issues, expressed suicidal thoughts, and had made plans to travel to the US to meet individuals online who were willing to harm her violently.
Dwain Hall, a 53-year-old man from Marion County, awaits trial later this year after being apprehended on suspicion of first-degree murder and kidnapping. He refutes the allegations of killing Ms. Exelby.
In a statement released through Hampshire Police, who are overseeing the UK side of the investigation, the family paid tribute to Ms. Exelby, saying, “Sonia was a genuinely beautiful person, both inside and out. She possessed a kind heart – so much so that she adopted a vegan lifestyle out of concern for animal welfare and suffering related to food consumption.”
The Hampshire Police mentioned that investigators established Ms. Exelby as missing from her Southsea home on October 12. They confirmed she had left the UK before news of her discovery in the US emerged, and US authorities are continuing their inquiry in preparation for Hall’s trial.
The family’s statement also reflects on Ms. Exelby’s childhood and the challenges she faced in her life, emphasizing her close relationships with her family and the love she spread among her relatives and friends. They expressed deep sorrow over her loss and highlighted the enduring impact she had on those around her, promising to cherish her memory forever.