Florida authorities have arrested a man after the remains of British traveler Sonia Exelby were found only days after she missed her return flight home. The 32-year-old had flown from England to Florida, and police say she was struggling with her mental health before the trip. UK officers raised the alarm on October 13 when she failed to board her flight at Gainesville Regional Airport. They told Florida investigators, through INTERPOL, that she was in danger and had expressed a desire to die.

Her body was discovered soon after in Marion Oaks with several stab wounds. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement began treating the case as a homicide. About a month later, investigators arrested 53-year-old Dwain Hall of Ocala. He now faces charges that include first-degree murder, kidnapping, and fraud linked to her bank cards. Officers say digital records showed Exelby had been communicating with Hall through a fetish website and had discussed self-harm.

Police documents state that Hall first denied knowing her, then changed his account several times. He later admitted they had spoken about suicide and violence. He did not confess to killing her but allegedly told investigators that she “got what she wanted.” Authorities also reviewed a video in which Hall asked Exelby how she wished to die, while she appeared unsure.

Before her body was found, Exelby’s partner made a public plea for help, saying she was in deep distress. Florida officials now urge anyone with information to contact the FDLE Gainesville tip line.