After being postponed due to Hurricane Milton, jury selection for Sarah Boone’s murder trial began Monday at 9 a.m. Sarah Boone has been accused of zipping her boyfriend, Jorge Torres Jr., in a suitcase, leaving him to suffocate. She is charged with second-degree murder after her boyfriend was found deceased inside the suitcase on February 24, 2020, in Winter Park, Florida.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office conducted several interviews with Sarah Boone the day after at the crime scene and their office. Boone claims they were drinking that night, and Torres willingly got into the suitcase during a game of hide-and-seek. Boone has rejected a plea offer of 15 years and will stand trial once jury selection is completed.
Before the Trial
Sarah Boone appeared in court on October 2, anticipating her trial to begin the following week. She came in smiling and continued to do so throughout the hearing. Her current attorney requested the trial be delayed to the end of the year so he had time to prepare and gather experts. Judge Kraynick explained that this case had already been on hold for over four years. Ultimately, the judge denied a postponement and stated Sarah Boone “only has herself to blame.” Boone should consider herself lucky to have an attorney, considering the judge ruled she forfeited her right to an attorney after her eighth one quit.
Evidence and Claims
The prosecution claims to have key evidence that will lead to the conviction of Sarah Boone. Two videos were found on Boone’s phone from the night of Torres’ death. In those videos, you see Torres begging to be released from the suitcase while Boone laughs and taunts him. Boone admitted to police that she had gone to bed after those videos had been taken and quickly fell asleep. It was not until the following morning she realized he might still be stuck inside the suitcase.
The physical evidence will assist the prosecution’s case, and Boone’s demeanor could also be in their favor. Each of her past attorneys has submitted similar complaints when withdrawing from her case. When her eighth attorney requested to withdraw, Boone submitted a 58-page letter to Judge Kraynick complaining. In that letter, she wrote, “I am not the problem except that I want to and should be treated fairly, with respect, acting more professional than the paid, ‘I’ve been doing this for over 40 years’ ‘professional.’ After so long and in all the experience, common courtesy, customer service, and listening skills should have been acquired.”
Sarah Boone is being represented by Attorney James Owens, whom she obtained at the end of August. Owens intends to hire a couple of forensic psychologists to act as experts to support his ‘battered spouse’ defense. However, he claims he cannot access digital evidence or discovery for review. The discovery is currently sitting in boxes with Boone inside Orange County Jail. He is also hoping to hire Dr. Michael Brannon as a defense expert. Dr. Brannon recently diagnosed a woman with “Battered Wife Syndrome.” That same woman was found not guilty by a jury in July. Owens acknowledges that taking on Sarah Boone’s case will be difficult, but he is preparing the best he can. Time is ticking.
Final Thoughts
Sarah Boone took the stand at her motion hearing on October 2, 2024. According to the prosecution, her testimony differs from what she originally told the police. While she testified about her interactions with investigators, Owens attempted to portray Boone as a victim. He believes Boone was coerced during her interviews and that the lead detective was deceptive. It could be difficult for the defense to argue when the prosecution has several interview tapes and personal video evidence. If Sarah Boone is convicted of second-degree murder, she would be facing a minimum of 22 years in prison for taking the life of Jorge Torres Jr.
