Sarah Boone, a woman from Florida, is facing trial on second-degree murder charges after allegedly zipping her boyfriend inside a suitcase during a game of hide-and-seek and leaving him outside until he died. The incident occurred in February 2020 when Boone called 911 after discovering her boyfriend, Jorge Torres Jr., inside the suitcase outside their Winter Park home. The trial is set to begin on May 13.
Boone admitted to zipping Torres inside the suitcase and then going to bed, believing he could free himself. Investigators found Torres dead and charged Boone with second-degree murder in 2023. Video evidence showed Torres attempting to escape the suitcase while Boone laughed and made comments.
Torres’ family expressed disapproval of his relationship with Boone and hopes for justice in the case. The trial faced delays due to changes in Boone’s defense team, with public defenders withdrawing from the case citing irreconcilable differences. A new attorney, Patricia Cashman, was appointed to represent Boone, as previous attorneys considered using a “battered spouse” defense.
Legal analysts noted that Boone’s participation in the dangerous activity and her comments in the video could lead to conviction on second-degree murder charges. The cell phone video showing Torres pleading for help is considered a crucial piece of evidence in the case.
