Florida Woman Convicted of Murder After Zipping Her Boyfriend Inside a Suitcase

 

A Florida woman was convicted of second-degree murder on Friday after authorities reported that she left her boyfriend zipped inside a suitcase, leading to his death in 2020.

Sarah Boone, now 47, told officials that her boyfriend accidentally got stuck in the suitcase and died during a game of hide-and-seek, as shown in court records. The couple, who lived in Winter Park, Florida, had been drinking chardonnay and working on puzzles before they began the game.

According to an affidavit from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Boone and her boyfriend, Jorge Torres Jr., 42, thought it would be amusing to include the suitcase in the game. When Boone zipped Torres inside a blue suitcase, she noticed his fingers sticking out and assumed he could easily unzip it.

Boone then went to bed, believing Torres would soon free himself and join her. However, she awoke to find him still in the suitcase, unresponsive.

Evidence in the trial included videos from Boone’s phone, where Torres can be heard desperately asking to be let out while Boone is heard laughing and dismissing his pleas. The State Attorney’s Office release noted that in the recordings, Torres tells Boone he can’t breathe and repeatedly asks for release. Boone is heard replying, “That’s what you get,” and accusing him of cheating, among other taunts.

In the video, Torres is shown pushing against the suitcase, attempting to escape, the affidavit stated.

Throughout the 10-day trial, Boone’s defense argued that she suffered from “Battered Spouse Syndrome” and feared for her life. She also claimed she thought Torres could exit the suitcase on his own. Boone testified for nearly five hours in her defense, as reported by CNN affiliate WESH.

Following the verdict, Boone’s attorney expressed disappointment, while Torres’ family, visibly emotional, declined media interviews.

Boone is set to be sentenced on December 2 at 1:30 p.m., according to the State Attorney’s Office release.