Sarah Boone, 47, has been sentenced to life in prison for the second-degree murder of her boyfriend, Jorge Torres Jr., 42, who suffocated in a suitcase inside their Winter Park apartment. Boone was convicted after a trial that revealed chilling details about the fatal incident, which occurred on February 24, 2020.

Boone had claimed that she and Torres were playing a drunken game of hide-and-seek when he climbed into the suitcase, and she zipped it closed as part of the playful activity. However, disturbing video evidence captured Boone laughing while Torres pleaded for his life, begging to be let out of the suitcase as he struggled to breathe.

In the footage, Torres can be heard desperately calling out, “I can’t breathe.” Boone’s callous response, as she laughed, was to compare his suffering to her own emotional pain, allegedly from his infidelity and abuse. “For everything you’ve done to me,” she says in one video, justifying her actions with an eerie sense of detachment.

Boone testified that when Torres managed to get his hand outside the suitcase, she became fearful that he might break free. She admitted to hitting his hand with a baseball bat to keep him inside. Despite Torres' desperate pleas, Boone left the apartment, believing he would be able to escape. She went upstairs to sleep, leaving him trapped in the suitcase overnight. The following morning, she found Torres dead.

In her trial, Boone claimed that she never intended to kill Torres and described him as an abusive partner. She alleged that he had previously beaten, raped, and terrorized her. Boone argued that her actions that night were a form of self-defense, stating that Torres had been violent toward her in the past.

However, prosecutors and investigators pointed to the stark contradiction between Boone’s testimony and the evidence. Video footage captured Boone’s lack of remorse as Torres begged for help, undermining her claims of self-defense. Prosecutor Dave Cacciatore highlighted Boone’s failure to accept responsibility for her actions, noting that she was offered a plea deal of 15 years in prison on manslaughter charges, which she rejected.

Victoria Torres, Jorge’s sister, addressed the court, expressing the profound emotional toll the death of her brother has caused her family. “Sarah has caused a lifetime of pain, a lifetime of horrible images, a lifetime of hearing my brother Jorge plead for his life,” she said, visibly shaken. “Such a simple thing as using a suitcase is so triggering, I try not to close it all the way.”

The judge took into account the shocking nature of Boone’s actions and her lack of remorse when issuing the life sentence. Prosecutor Andrew Bain stressed that Boone’s video evidence and her own statements to police painted a clear picture of her guilt.

Despite the conviction, Boone expressed a desire for forgiveness, speaking directly to the Torres family in a final statement. “I ask for your forgiveness,” she said, though her plea was met with skepticism, given her behavior during and after the incident.

The tragic death of Jorge Torres has left a permanent scar on his family, and the sentence handed down to Sarah Boone serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions.

#SarahBoone #JorgeTorres #SuitcaseMurder #FloridaCrime #DomesticViolence #JusticeForJorge #LifeSentence #TrueCrime #WinterPark

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On this episode, Tony Brueski digs into the harrowing case of Sarah Boone, the Florida woman sentenced to life in prison for the chilling suitcase murder of her boyfriend, Jorge Torres Jr. We unpack the key evidence, including disturbing video footage, courtroom drama, and emotional victim impact statements, to explore how a drunken game of hide-and-seek turned into a fatal tragedy.

Join us as we examine Boone’s tumultuous legal journey, the psychological dynamics at play, and the broader implications of her case on claims of domestic abuse and justice. Was this an act of self-defense gone horribly wrong, or something far more sinister?

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The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com 

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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Welcome to the "Week in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.

    

 This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.

    

 Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.

 Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime, or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week in Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle.

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The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Welcome to the "Week in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.

    

 This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.

    

 Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.

 Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime, or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week in Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle.

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The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Did Sarah Boone really mean to kill her boyfriend, or was she simply a victim trying to protect herself? The so-called "suitcase murder" trial is a wild one, filled with bizarre twists and questions about abuse, self-defense, and mental health. Sarah Boone zipped her boyfriend, Jorge Torres, into a suitcase, taunted him while he begged for help, and filmed the whole thing. Now, was this a case of self-defense from an abusive partner, or was Boone just as dangerous as the man she allegedly feared? The trial's testimony reveals a complex and disturbing relationship, with Boone's mental state called into question. She acted like a scared child at times, even asking the judge for Pop-Tarts and snacks, raising doubts about her competence. Could battered spouse syndrome be her defense, or will the chilling video footage seal her fate? What would you do if you were trapped in a situation like Boone's?

#TrueCrime #SuitcaseMurder #SarahBooneTrial #BatteredSpouseSyndrome #SelfDefense #JorgeTorres #Justice

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In a closely watched trial, Sarah Boone was found guilty of second-degree murder after a jury deliberated briefly on Friday, concluding Boone’s involvement in the 2020 death of her boyfriend, Jorge Torres. Prosecutors argued that Boone, 47, maliciously zipped Torres, 42, into a suitcase and left him to die, accusing her of using the act as punishment in a disturbing sequence of events. Torres ultimately died from asphyxiation, trapped inside the suitcase overnight.   

Central to the prosecution's argument was video evidence from Boone’s cell phone, which showed Torres confined inside the suitcase. In two separate videos recorded just 11 minutes apart, Torres can be heard calling out Boone’s name and repeatedly saying, "I can't breathe." Prosecutors contended this evidence demonstrated Boone's awareness of Torres' suffering.

"This is a very horrific homicide," said State Attorney Andrew Bain. "Nobody really should have to endure this type of struggle and fight for their lives and have to die alone, begging for their last breath inside a suitcase. Today, justice was served with the conviction of Sarah Boone."

Boone's defense team, led by attorney James Owens, argued that Boone was the victim of an abusive relationship, presenting evidence of past police involvement in the couple’s tumultuous relationship. Owens asserted that Boone suffered from Battered Spouse Syndrome, suggesting she acted without malice.

"She's just in shock," Owens said during an impromptu news conference outside the courthouse. "We're, obviously, really disappointed. We did the best that we could, you know, in the time that we had to prepare. Sarah really liked the team, and we all got along."

Despite the defense’s assertions, prosecutors maintained that Boone’s actions were calculated, noting that she did not attempt to help Torres as he struggled. They argued she had malicious intent, intending to harm him rather than seek help, highlighting a volatile relationship that escalated into tragedy.

Before the trial, Boone was offered a plea deal for a reduced charge of manslaughter, which would have carried a 15-year prison sentence. She rejected the offer, opting to go to trial in hopes of clearing her name.

The trial concluded after four years of legal maneuvering, which included Boone's rotation through multiple attorneys and several pretrial hearings. Boone's sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 2 at 1:30 p.m., where she will face the possibility of a significant prison term for the second-degree murder conviction.

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The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

On this episode, Tony Brew-ski digs into the harrowing details surrounding Sarah Boone's conviction for second-degree murder. After a night of drinking, Boone zipped her boyfriend, Jorge Torres Jr., inside a suitcase, where he ultimately suffocated. What began as an alleged game of hide-and-seek took a sinister turn, as Boone’s own video recordings captured her mocking Torres' desperate pleas for help. With her sentencing set for December, the chilling evidence, courtroom drama, and psychological complexities of this case will leave you questioning where playfulness ends—and malice begins.

Tune in as Tony dissects the facts, courtroom twists, and the legal arguments that led to Boone’s rapid conviction and the tragic unraveling of two lives.

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Will Sarah Boone Spend The Rest Of Her Life In Prison For Suitcase Murder?

Did Sarah Boone really think it was all just a twisted game, or did something far darker drive her actions that night? When you hear about someone zipping their boyfriend into a suitcase, laughing as he begged for his life, and then casually taking a nap, you have to ask: Is this premeditated cruelty, or are we dealing with someone whose grasp on reality is truly warped by psychological issues and heavy drinking? Watching her courtroom behavior—requesting candy and Pop-Tarts as if she's preparing for a slumber party—makes it even more surreal.

Her defense leans on battered woman syndrome, but how much sympathy can you really muster when there’s video evidence of her taunting the victim? Is she a victim of her own dysfunction, or is that just a convenient excuse for a chilling act? And let’s face it, if the roles were reversed, would we still be debating whether it was just a tragic accident? How much of her strange behavior is mental illness, and how much is sheer recklessness? Could someone like this truly not understand the consequences, or is that just wishful thinking?

#SarahBoone #TrueCrime #PsychologicalDisorder #BatteredWomanSyndrome #SuitcaseMurder #DysfunctionOrMurder #HiddenKillers

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Sarah Boone Trial: Forensic Psychiatrist Confirms Battered Spouse Syndrome, Adds Complexity to Defense

In the ongoing Orlando trial of Sarah Boone, accused of second-degree murder in the 2020 death of her boyfriend Jorge Torres, forensic psychiatrist Dr. Tonia Werner confirmed Thursday that Boone suffers from Battered Spouse Syndrome (BSS). This condition is central to Boone’s defense, as her attorneys claim Boone’s actions were driven by trauma stemming from previous violence between her and Torres. 

Werner, called as a rebuttal witness by the prosecution, noted that BSS alone does not justify Boone’s actions leading to Torres’ death. In a recent interview, Werner spoke with Boone for over two hours, during which Boone recounted details from the night Torres died. “They were having a good time and laughing,” Werner shared. “But she remembered what it felt like when he was choking her, and she became angry.” Boone described how she shook the suitcase Torres was in, and after it flipped, she reportedly saw him put two fingers out. “Her son’s baseball bat was sitting there, and she picked the bat up and hit his hand,” Werner said.

This narrative conflicts with the defense’s portrayal of Boone as a woman reacting under the influence of long-standing trauma. Boone’s lead attorney, James Owens, previously introduced forensic psychologist Dr. Julie Harper as an expert witness for the defense. Harper testified that Boone’s reaction that night was influenced by previous violent interactions with Torres. According to Harper, “Over a period of incidents, basically the victim begins to perceive cues that would signal impending danger … even subtle changes in tone or behavior that others might overlook.” Harper described this perception as something unique to individuals in abusive relationships, highlighting Boone’s heightened awareness of Torres’ behavior patterns as a trigger for her actions that night.  

The issue of Battered Spouse Syndrome has been central to both sides, as it reflects Boone’s alleged perception of imminent harm. While Werner agreed with Harper’s diagnosis of BSS, she expressed skepticism over the applicability of BSS in justifying Boone’s behavior that led to Torres’ death. “Having Battered Spouse Syndrome doesn’t necessarily mean actions taken against your partner in a relationship are justified,” she said.

A pivotal moment during Werner’s testimony involved an objection by Owens, who argued the prosecution did not inform him of Werner’s recent opinion change. Owens requested the opportunity to re-depose Werner, stating, “I should have been notified there was going to be a change in opinions here today … and we had an agreement that I was going to be allowed to retake the deposition.” Judge Michael Kraynick ruled in Owens’ favor, allowing an in-court deposition to clarify Werner’s statements.

The defense highlighted Boone’s account of prior violence by Torres to strengthen their BSS argument. Deputy Jessica Ramirez Delgado testified Wednesday, recalling an arrest incident where Boone said, “Why? Because I f***ing fought back?” During the same session, jurors saw video footage taken from Boone’s cellphone showing Torres smashing her TV with the same baseball bat Boone later used to prevent Torres from escaping the suitcase.

Assistant State Attorney William Jay questioned Harper about the possibility of Boone’s narcissistic personality traits influencing her actions, noting that Boone demonstrated three of the nine traits associated with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, though not enough for a formal diagnosis. Harper disagreed that these traits influenced Boone’s actions, emphasizing Boone’s trauma-related reactions.

As the trial proceeds, the court heard how Boone’s experiences with Torres may have shaped her response on the night of his death. With closing arguments anticipated, the prosecution and defense will soon present their final cases to jurors, who must weigh the complex psychological factors surrounding Boone’s actions.

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