In February 2020, something unusual and tragic happened in Winter Park, Florida. Sarah Boone, a 42-year-old woman, was accused of causing her boyfriend’s death strangely—by zipping him inside a suitcase. This shocking event caught everyone’s attention because of how bizarre it was and the disturbing details afterward.
The incident not only surprised the local community but also made people wonder about Sarah’s relationship with her boyfriend, Jorge Torres Jr. As the case unfolded, it revealed a complicated story involving claims of abuse, alcohol use, and a sad end to a rocky relationship.
Who Is Sarah Boone?
Sarah Boone was a resident of Winter Park, Florida, and 42 years old at the time of the incident. She had a 13-year-old son from a previous marriage. Friends and acquaintances described her as a soft-spoken individual. However, her relationship with Jorge Torres Jr. was marked by volatility and frequent arguments.
Boone’s personal history included significant losses, such as the deaths of her parents and grandmother within a short span. These events may have contributed to the complexities in her personal life and relationships.
Why did Sarah Boone zip her boyfriend in a suitcase?
On February 24, 2020, Sarah called 911, sounding very distressed. She told the emergency operator that her boyfriend, Jorge, was unresponsive. She explained that the night before, they had been playing a game of hide-and-seek while drinking alcohol. According to Sarah, Jorge decided to hide inside a suitcase, and she zipped it up as a playful joke. She claimed that she then fell asleep and, when she woke up, found Jorge still inside the suitcase and unresponsive.
But when the police investigated, they found evidence that didn’t match Sarah’s story. They discovered videos on her phone showing the suitcase moving and Jorge’s voice pleading to be let out. He kept saying he couldn’t breathe. In the background, Sarah could be heard laughing and teasing him, saying things like, “That’s what you do when you choke me.” This suggests that she might have intentionally left him in the suitcase, leading to his tragic death.
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After these discoveries, Sarah was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. The legal process was complicated and faced many delays. Sarah went through several attorneys—eight of them withdrew from representing her. At one point, the judge decided that she had given up her right to a court-appointed lawyer, so she had to represent herself for a while. Eventually, she found a new lawyer but turned down a plea deal that would have sentenced her to 15 years.
The trial began on October 14, 2024. Sarah’s defense team argued that she suffered from battered woman syndrome, claiming that Jorge had been abusive toward her. They said she acted out of response to the abuse she had endured. However, the prosecutors presented strong evidence, including the videos from Sarah’s phone, which showed her taunting Jorge as he struggled inside the suitcase.
After less than two hours of deliberation, the jury found Sarah Boone guilty of second-degree murder. On December 2, 2024, she was sentenced to life in prison.
Sarah Boone and Jorge Torres Jr.’s story is sad and complex. It shows how personal relationships can become very troubled if problems aren’t addressed. Their relationship seemed to have many issues, including possible abuse and alcohol use.
This case reminds us of the importance of seeking help when facing relationship difficulties. There are many resources available for people experiencing domestic conflicts or struggling with substance abuse. Talking to friends, family, or professionals can make a big difference and might prevent tragedies like this from happening.
