Florida Woman Sentenced to Life in Prison for Zipping Boyfriend into Suitcase
Judge Imposes Life Sentence for Second-Degree Murder
Circuit Judge Michael Kraynick imposed a life sentence on Sarah Boone, 47, for the 2020 killing of 42-year-old Jorge Torres. The sentence was handed down on Monday in Orlando, Florida.
Jury Convicts Boone of Second-Degree Murder
A jury deliberated only 90 minutes on October 25 before convicting Boone of second-degree murder. The conviction came after a 10-day trial, during which Boone had insisted she was a victim of domestic violence at the hands of Torres and had rejected a plea deal offer of a 15-year sentence.
Torres’ Family Testifies
Torres’ family members testified at the hearing, recounting how his death has torn them apart. "Sarah deserves to rot in jail," said a sister, Victoria Torres. "Sarah has caused a lifetime of pain."
Boone’s Statement
In her own statement, Boone went through a litany of abuse by Torres she said occurred over many years, decried the way her trial was handled and covered by the media, yet asked forgiveness for her actions. "I forgive myself for falling in love with a monster. I tried breaking the spell … I never stopped loving him," she said. "I didn’t mean for this to happen. Forgive me, Jorge. Forgive me, Torres family."
Abuse and Motive
According to the arrest report, Boone told investigators that she and Torres had been drinking heavily and playing hide-and-seek on February 23, 2020, in their Winter Park, Florida, residence. They had been drinking alcohol and she decided to go to sleep, figuring that Torres could get out of the suitcase on his own. However, when she woke up the next morning, she found him unresponsive in the suitcase.
Chilling Videos
The arrest report also revealed that investigators found videos on Boone’s cellphone in which Torres is heard yelling from inside the suitcase that he couldn’t breathe and repeatedly calling out Boone’s name. "She decided to keep (Torres) in the suitcase when he said he could not breathe in it to terrorize him," prosecutor William Jay said in a court filing. "She then struck him with a baseball bat."
Conclusion
The case highlights the dangers of domestic violence and the devastating consequences it can have on victims and their families. The sentence imposed on Boone serves as a reminder that justice will be served for those who commit heinous crimes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the motive behind the murder?
A: Boone claimed that she was a victim of domestic violence at the hands of Torres and that she acted in self-defense by keeping him in the suitcase.
Q: What was the sentence imposed on Boone?
A: Circuit Judge Michael Kraynick imposed a life sentence on Boone for second-degree murder.
Q: How long did the trial last?
A: The trial lasted 10 days.
Q: What was the jury’s verdict?
A: The jury deliberated 90 minutes before convicting Boone of second-degree murder.
