Guilty Verdict in Suitcase Murder Case
A Florida jury found Sarah Boone, 47, guilty of second-degree murder on Friday for leaving her boyfriend, Jorge Torres Jr., 42, to die in a suitcase during a macabre game of hide-and-seek. According to authorities, Boone zipped Torres into the blue suitcase and left him without assistance for hours, resulting in his tragic demise.
Disturbing Evidence Presented
During the trial, jurors were presented with disturbing evidence, including videos from Boone’s phone in which Torres can be heard desperately pleading to be released. Boone’s laughter and taunts as Torres struggled to breathe sent shockwaves through the courtroom. The videos revealed Torres’s desperate attempts to escape the suffocating confinement, captured on camera by Boone herself.
Defense’s Claim of Fear
Boone’s defense argued that she suffered from “Battered Spouse Syndrome” and claimed she was in fear for her life. She also asserted that she believed Torres could have easily freed himself from the suitcase. However, the prosecution countered that the video evidence clearly showed Boone’s callous disregard for Torres’s pleas for help.
Emotional Reaction to Verdict
Boone’s attorney expressed disappointment with the verdict, while Torres’s family was overcome with emotion and declined to comment to the media. According to defense attorney James Owens, Boone was convinced of her innocence and believed she had a strong defense.
Sentencing to Occur
Boone’s sentencing is scheduled for December 2 at 1:30 p.m. She faces a potential life sentence for her actions. The case has garnered national attention, highlighting the dangers of domestic violence and the tragic consequences that can result from seemingly harmless games.
