Florida Woman Convicted of Second-Degree Murder After Boyfriend Suffocates in Suitcase

A Florida woman, Sarah Boone, has been convicted of second-degree murder after a tragic incident involving her boyfriend, Jorge Torres Jr., who suffocated inside a suitcase during a game of hide-and-seek. The 47-year-old resident of Winter Park claimed that on the evening of February 23, 2020, she and Torres were drinking when he voluntarily entered the suitcase as part of a playful interaction. Boone alleged that they were joking when she zipped him inside, believing he could escape at will.

However, the situation took a dire turn. Following an argument, Boone went upstairs to sleep, convinced that Torres would be able to free himself. When she awoke the next morning, she discovered that he was still inside the suitcase and had tragically died. Prosecutors contended that Boone was aware that Torres could not extricate himself and thus caused his death through her actions.

During the trial, Boone testified that she had filmed a brief conversation with Torres while he was confined in the suitcase to express her feelings about their relationship, during which Torres repeatedly stated he could not breathe. In the video, Boone was heard laughing in response to his pleas, including one moment where she remarked, “That’s what you do when you choke me,” and another where she said, “That’s on you.”

The altercation escalated when Torres, who Boone claimed had a history of abusive behavior, threatened her while still trapped in the suitcase. Fearing for her safety, Boone testified that she grabbed a baseball bat and struck his hand to prevent him from breaking free. Autopsy results indicated that Torres had sustained bruising on his hand, contusions to his skull, and a split lip, which raised further questions about the circumstances of his confinement.

Boone maintained that she did not intend to harm Torres and was unaware of the potential consequences of zipping him inside the suitcase. She asserted that upon waking, she searched the apartment for him before eventually finding him lifeless in the suitcase.

Facing a potential life sentence, Boone is scheduled for sentencing in early December, following her conviction for second-degree murder. This case has drawn significant attention, highlighting the tragic outcomes that can arise from seemingly innocuous situations and the complexities of intimate partner relationships.