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Sarah Boone ‘shocked’ by conviction for murder in boyfriend’s suitcase, lawyer says

Sarah Boone ‘shocked’ by conviction for murder in boyfriend’s suitcase, lawyer says

Bye Sarah Boone showed little emotion after the jury found her guilty of second degree murder After the death of her boyfriend, Jorge Torres, she was shocked by the verdict, her lawyer said.

Florida attorney James Owens told reporters outside the courthouse that Boone was “shocked” by the verdict.

“Just a shock. She’s shocked. She felt like she had protection…so she’s just in shock,” Owens said.

The six-member jury took less than 90 minutes to decide the case. In addition to the second-degree murder charge, the jury could also consider lesser charges of manslaughter or criminal negligence or find her not guilty.

Torres’ family attended the trial. They did not comment on the trial or verdict.

Boone told law enforcement and jurors at her trial that she and Torres had been drinking that night and decided to play hide and seek. According to Boone, Torres thought it would be “fun” to reach inside the suitcase. She zipped him up in her suitcase and left him there, despite his pleas that he couldn’t breathe. Two videos recorded by Boone show Torres pleading and Boone taunting him. Boone went to bed and the next morning found Torres unresponsive.

It took four years to get to trial. Boone went through eight court-appointed attorneys before a judge ruled that Boone lost her right to additional counsel. James Owens then decided to represent Boone pro bono.

Boone’s sentencing is set for December 2024.

Owens described Boone as a “fighter” and said he expects her to appeal the conviction. However, he will not represent her in the appeal case, he said.

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