Sarah Boone’s legal team is fighting for a new trial after a jury convicted her of second-degree murder in the death of her boyfriend, Jorge Torres Jr. Boone’s attorney, James Owens, filed a motion arguing that Boone's constitutional rights were violated and accusing the prosecution of misconduct.

Torres’ tragic death occurred in February 2020. Authorities discovered him zipped up in a suitcase at the couple’s apartment following a night of drinking. During her trial, Boone testified that she acted in self-defense and suffered from battered spouse syndrome. The prosecution, however, countered with evidence showing Boone not only left Torres to suffocate but also beat the suitcase with a baseball bat.

The case took four years to reach trial, partly due to Boone’s changing defense team. A total of eight different attorneys represented her before Judge Michael Kraynick ultimately decided that Boone had forfeited her right to an attorney because of her behavior, forcing her to represent herself. Owens’ motion claims this ruling violated Boone’s Sixth Amendment right to legal representation.

“Judge Kraynick failed to warn Ms. Boone that repeated ‘misbehavior’ would lead to her losing her right to an attorney,” Owens wrote. He also emphasized that Boone’s actions did not meet the standard for misconduct that justifies stripping someone of their right to counsel.

Owens pointed to another key issue: the judge's refusal to grant a continuance. Owens had entered his notice of appearance only 45 days before the trial began, which he argued left insufficient time to prepare. “Despite his best attempts to prepare for trial, it was impossible to adequately prepare for unforeseen issues,” Owens stated, mentioning that crucial evidence, such as texts from Boone’s phone and prior interactions with law enforcement, could not be fully reviewed.

Despite Owens’ attempts to delay proceedings, Judge Kraynick held firm, stating that Boone had only “herself to blame” for the defense team's difficulties and that Owens knew the deadlines before taking the case.

Owens further alleged that the prosecution committed misconduct, accusing the State of failing to disclose a change in their rebuttal expert’s opinion. He also criticized prosecutor William Jay for delivering what he called a “second closing argument” instead of a proper rebuttal.

Additionally, Owens contended that Judge Kraynick should have declared a mistrial when Torres’ family had an emotional outburst during closing arguments. The judge denied the mistrial request, and Owens argued that the jury should have received a curative instruction to disregard the incident.

Boone now faces a minimum sentence of 22.5 years in prison, with her sentencing hearing set for Dec. 2. Her attorney’s motion raises critical questions about the fairness of the trial and whether Boone’s right to a robust defense was compromised.

#SarahBoone #MurderTrial #NewTrial #SixthAmendment #ProsecutorialMisconduct #DomesticAbuseDefense #JusticeForJorgeTorres

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