Tributes to Briton believed to have been murdered in US

The family of a British woman who is suspected to have been murdered in Florida after going missing from her UK home have described her as "truly beautiful".

Sonia Exelby, 32, went missing from her home in Southsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire, on 12 October and her body was found in Marion County on 17 October.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested local man Dwain Hall, 53, on suspicion of first-degree murder and kidnapping and a trial is expected later in the year. He was already detained on suspicion of fraudulent use of credit cards and unlawful use of a two-way communication device, in connection with Exelby's case.

Her family said she was a "truly beautiful person, inside and out".

They 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."

The tribute describes Exelby as the youngest of six children and "deeply loved by all her siblings".

She was also raised in the village of Porchester, Hampshire, "surrounded by love every single day".

She had a "devoted partner of 15 years", brought "fun and love" to her nieces and nephews, and had "wonderful friends who describe her as beautiful and caring".

The tribute continued: "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'.

"We will never get over losing her which has left an emptiness in our lives that can never be filled," it adds.

"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."

The family added: "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."

Hampshire Constabulary said: "We received a report on Sunday 12 October that Sonia was missing from her home in Southsea.

"Initial enquiries established that she had travelled outside of the UK prior to the report being received."

A spokesperson said the force's "US counterparts" were "continuing to progress their investigation" into Exelby's death.

It said its officers were assisting US authorities and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

"Our specially trained officers are providing assistance to Sonia's family in the UK," it said.

An FCDO Spokesperson said: "We are supporting the family of a British national who has died in the USA and are in contact with local authorities in Florida."