A Florida jury found Sarah Boone guilty of second-degree murder on Friday. She allegedly zipped her boyfriend, Jorge Torres Jr., into a suitcase in 2020, leading to his suffocation. Boone, aged 47, initially told Orange County sheriff’s officers that she and Jorge were playing hide-and-seek after drinking alcohol when he voluntarily got into the suitcase in February 2020. She claimed they were joking when she zipped him in.
Boone alleged past abuse by Jorge and said she wanted to express her feelings while he was confined. They argued, and she left him in the suitcase, fearing he might harm her if he got out. She discovered him dead the next morning.
A video from Boone’s phone showed her laughing and hitting Jorge’s hand back into the suitcase with a baseball bat as he tried to escape. In court, the video revealed Jorge repeatedly saying he couldn’t breathe while Boone laughed. Her responses included “That’s what you do when you choke me” and “That’s on you.”
Remember when #SarahBoone was offered a plea deal (to essentially serve 10 more years) and she didn’t take it? Now she’s facing 22.5 years to LIFE. A jury has found her #GUILTY of second-degree murder for zipping her boyfriend, #JorgeTorres, in a suitcase, causing him to… pic.twitter.com/T9g2KoumAA
— Lauren Conlin (@conlin_lauren) October 26, 2024
Jorge’s autopsy revealed injuries such as scratches on his back and neck, contusions on his shoulder, skull, and forehead from blunt force trauma, and a cut near his lip.
Four years after the incident, the trial lasted 10 days. Jurors reached their verdict after 90 minutes of deliberation. Boone pleaded not guilty, believing Jorge could have escaped the suitcase.
Boone’s attorney expressed disappointment and said she was “shocked” at the verdict. Jorge Torres’ family was emotional and did not speak to the media. Boone faces a life sentence, with sentencing scheduled for early December.
What Other Media Are Saying
- NBC News reports on Sarah Boone’s conviction for second-degree murder after she zipped her boyfriend into a suitcase and left him to suffocate, initially claiming it was a drunken game.(read more)
- NY Post: Sarah Boone found guilty of second-degree murder for killing her boyfriend, whose body was discovered in a suitcase, highlighting a chilling case of domestic violence.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What was Sarah Boone found guilty of?
How did Jorge Torres Jr. die?
He suffocated in a suitcase.
Was there any evidence against Sarah Boone?
Yes, a video showing her laughing and hitting Jorge’s hand back into the suitcase.
What did Jorge Torres Jr.’s autopsy reveal?
Injuries such as scratches, contusions, and a cut near his lip.
