Family Seeks Travel Aid for Florida Murder Trial
Relatives of Sonia Exelby are raising funds to attend the upcoming murder trial of Dwain Hall in November 2026.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Budget Travel
Nine relatives of Sonia Exelby are soliciting donations to cover costs associated with traveling to Florida for the November 2026 murder trial of Dwain Hall. The victim, who was 32, was found deceased in Marion Oaks in October 2025.
Why it matters
Family members require financial assistance to attend court proceedings to support each other during the trial. The group is raising funds for travel, accommodation, food, and to replace lost wages for those unable to work during the trip.
Estimated travel costs include £1,500 for a single relative traveling from Australia to Florida. While three flights have been covered by donations, the family must still finance additional airfare, lodging, and transport for the remaining group members.
The players
Sonia Exelby
She was a 32-year-old traveler from Southsea who was killed in Florida in October 2025.
Dwain Hall
The 54-year-old man faces charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping in connection with the death of Sonia Exelby.
The details
Sonia Exelby traveled from Southsea to Florida, arriving at Gainesville Regional Airport on 10 October 2025. Her remains were discovered in a shallow grave in Marion Oaks on 17 October 2025 with four stab wounds, leading to first-degree murder and kidnapping charges against 54-year-old Dwain Hall.
Timeline
10 October 2025: Sonia Exelby arrived in Florida.
17 October 2025: Remains of Sonia Exelby were discovered.
November 2026: The murder trial for Dwain Hall is expected to take place.
Travel Outlook
This case highlights the logistical and financial burdens faced by international families participating in long-distance legal proceedings. The situation reflects the complexities of cross-border travel requirements for victims' families attending trials in the United States.
Travelers visiting Florida from abroad should account for high variable costs associated with long-duration stays. Families navigating legal proceedings must verify whether they qualify for local victim support contributions before planning their travel budget.
The takeaway
Families traveling for legal proceedings should explore available victim assistance programs that may offer partial expense coverage. Surplus funds from donation campaigns are often directed toward mental health charities to support those impacted by trauma.
What happens next
The trial of Dwain Hall is scheduled to commence in November 2026.
Further reading
For more information on planning long-term or emergency trips, visit the Budget Travel section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Need To Know.
