Topline: Sarah Boone, 47, was convicted in October of second-degree murder in the 2020 death of Jorge Torres Jr.
Published: December 3, 2024 4:40 pm ET
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A Florida woman convicted of leaving her boyfriend to die in a suitcase was sentenced to life in prison on Monday.
Sarah Boone, 47, was convicted in October of second-degree murder in the 2020 death of Jorge Torres Jr.
Boone claimed Torres climbed into the suitcase willingly and playfully, but she never let him out because she feared he would harm her. She stated that she forgot he was inside and fell asleep, though this was contradicted by videos found on her phone, where she mocked and taunted Torres as he begged for help.
During the trial, testimony revealed a history of violence in Boone and Torres’s relationship, with police stating they had been called to the scene multiple times in the year before Torres’s death.
Before the trial, eight attorneys withdrew from Boone’s case, citing her behavior toward them and general conduct.
Jesse Owens, who represented Boone during the trial, was hired after responding to an ad on social media seeking a new attorney. The ad read: “Looking for a prosperous challenge? Ready for your close-up on nat’l television? Are you zealous with a side of keen?”
Ahead of her sentencing on Monday, Judge Michael Kraynick rejected a defense motion for a new trial. The motion cited claims of denial of court-appointed counsel, emotional outbursts in the courtroom, and alleged prosecutorial misconduct, among other grievances, according to WESH.
At Monday’s sentencing, Torres’ mother, daughter, and sisters provided victim impact statements. His daughter, Ava, described how “evilness” had taken her father. “I pray that you see his face when you see him at night,” she told Boone.
Boone also testified at the hearing, stating, “I hope that everyone can forgive me, the Torres family most of all.”
She then shifted blame, accusing the Torres family, the media, and social media of turning her into a pariah, as reported by the Orlando Sentinel.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Suitcase Killer Sentenced to Life in Prison
Sarah Boone, 47, was convicted in October of second-degree murder in the 2020 death of Jorge Torres Jr.
By Jacob Charles
Published: December 3, 2024 4:40 pm ET
A Florida woman convicted of leaving her boyfriend to die in a suitcase was sentenced to life in prison on Monday.
Sarah Boone, 47, was convicted in October of second-degree murder in the 2020 death of Jorge Torres Jr.
Boone claimed Torres climbed into the suitcase willingly and playfully, but she never let him out because she feared he would harm her. She stated that she forgot he was inside and fell asleep, though this was contradicted by videos found on her phone, where she mocked and taunted Torres as he begged for help.
During the trial, testimony revealed a history of violence in Boone and Torres’s relationship, with police stating they had been called to the scene multiple times in the year before Torres’s death.
Before the trial, eight attorneys withdrew from Boone’s case, citing her behavior toward them and general conduct.
Jesse Owens, who represented Boone during the trial, was hired after responding to an ad on social media seeking a new attorney. The ad read: “Looking for a prosperous challenge? Ready for your close-up on nat’l television? Are you zealous with a side of keen?”
Ahead of her sentencing on Monday, Judge Michael Kraynick rejected a defense motion for a new trial. The motion cited claims of denial of court-appointed counsel, emotional outbursts in the courtroom, and alleged prosecutorial misconduct, among other grievances, according to WESH.
At Monday’s sentencing, Torres’ mother, daughter, and sisters provided victim impact statements. His daughter, Ava, described how “evilness” had taken her father. “I pray that you see his face when you see him at night,” she told Boone.
Boone also testified at the hearing, stating, “I hope that everyone can forgive me, the Torres family most of all.”
She then shifted blame, accusing the Torres family, the media, and social media of turning her into a pariah, as reported by the Orlando Sentinel.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Suitcase Killer Sentenced to Life in Prison
Sarah Boone, 47, was convicted in October of second-degree murder in the 2020 death of Jorge Torres Jr.
By Jacob Charles
Published: December 3, 2024 4:40 pm ET
A Florida woman convicted of leaving her boyfriend to die in a suitcase was sentenced to life in prison on Monday.
Sarah Boone, 47, was convicted in October of second-degree murder in the 2020 death of Jorge Torres Jr.
Boone claimed Torres climbed into the suitcase willingly and playfully, but she never let him out because she feared he would harm her. She stated that she forgot he was inside and fell asleep, though this was contradicted by videos found on her phone, where she mocked and taunted Torres as he begged for help.
During the trial, testimony revealed a history of violence in Boone and Torres’s relationship, with police stating they had been called to the scene multiple times in the year before Torres’s death.
Before the trial, eight attorneys withdrew from Boone’s case, citing her behavior toward them and general conduct.
Jesse Owens, who represented Boone during the trial, was hired after responding to an ad on social media seeking a new attorney. The ad read: “Looking for a prosperous challenge? Ready for your close-up on nat’l television? Are you zealous with a side of keen?”
Ahead of her sentencing on Monday, Judge Michael Kraynick rejected a defense motion for a new trial. The motion cited claims of denial of court-appointed counsel, emotional outbursts in the courtroom, and alleged prosecutorial misconduct, among other grievances, according to WESH.
At Monday’s sentencing, Torres’ mother, daughter, and sisters provided victim impact statements. His daughter, Ava, described how “evilness” had taken her father. “I pray that you see his face when you see him at night,” she told Boone.
Boone also testified at the hearing, stating, “I hope that everyone can forgive me, the Torres family most of all.”
She then shifted blame, accusing the Torres family, the media, and social media of turning her into a pariah, as reported by the Orlando Sentinel.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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