Sarah Boone, a Florida woman accused of zipping her boyfriend, Jorge Torres, into a suitcase and leaving him to suffocate, is set to stand trial for his murder next week. Boone, 46, was charged with second-degree murder in the 2020 death of Torres, who was 42 years old at the time. The trial, delayed multiple times due to Boone changing attorneys, is scheduled to begin following Hurricane Milton, which is expected to make landfall this week.
In preparation for the trial, Boone’s latest attorney, James Owens, filed a motion requesting that Boone be allowed to wear civilian clothing and have her hair and makeup professionally done each day of the proceedings. Owens argued that these measures were necessary for Boone to receive a fair trial, stating that her appearance could affect how the jury perceives her. However, Judge Michael Kraynick expressed concerns, particularly regarding the makeup, which he noted could be considered contraband once Boone is returned to jail after court sessions.
The judge ultimately denied the request for makeup and hairstyling after consulting with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Law enforcement raised concerns about potential security risks, as makeup is not available for purchase at the jail commissary and could be used as contraband. However, Judge Kraynick did approve Boone’s request to wear civilian clothing during the trial, acknowledging that it would contribute to a fairer trial process, even if the makeup request posed challenges.
Boone’s motion has sparked backlash from the public, with many criticizing her for requesting such privileges. Comments on social media expressed outrage, with some questioning why taxpayers should fund Boone’s appearance in court. “Sarah Boone wants professional hair & makeup done… can’t pay for a lawyer, so who’s paying for that?” one person wrote on Facebook. Others were more blunt, stating that Boone should face trial without any special accommodations. The public outrage reflects the intense emotions surrounding the case, which has already drawn significant media attention.
Boone’s defense is expected to argue that she acted in self-defense, claiming she suffers from battered spouse syndrome. Boone told detectives that on the night of February 24, 2020, she and Torres were drinking wine and playing hide-and-seek in their Winter Park home. According to her account, they thought it would be funny to zip Torres into a suitcase, and Boone believed he could get out on his own. She said she went to bed, only to wake up the next morning and find Torres dead inside the suitcase.
However, Boone’s defense has been severely undermined by videos found on her phone. The videos reportedly show Torres pleading for his life, begging to be let out of the suitcase, while Boone taunts him. In the footage, Torres is heard gasping for air and telling Boone, “I can’t breathe,” to which Boone allegedly responds with comments about him cheating and how she feels when he chokes her. This disturbing evidence will likely play a pivotal role in the trial as Boone’s legal team attempts to convince the jury that her actions were not premeditated.
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