It was on the afternoon of February 24, 2020, when the Winter Park authorities received a chilling 911 call from Sarah Boone.
In a panicked tone, Boone reported the death of her boyfriend, Jorge Torres Jr., inside their apartment.
According to Boone’s initial report to dispatchers, the couple had been drinking and engaged in a playful game of hide-and-seek the night before.
Boone claimed that they had jokingly agreed it would be amusing if Torres concealed himself inside a suitcase.
As Boone recounted to investigators, the evening had been accompanied by wine and laughter.
However, the cheerful atmosphere turned into a nightmare as Boone went to bed, leaving Torres allegedly trapped inside the suitcase downstairs.
Boone claimed to waking up hours later to the heartbreaking discovery of Torres unresponsive and lifeless inside the suitcase.
Authorities respond
After the distressing 911 call, authorities quickly arrived at the scene, only to be met with a puzzling situation.
Despite Boone’s claims of an accidental tragedy, investigators uncovered compelling evidence that painted a far more sinister picture.
Video footage retrieved from Boone’s cell phone depicted a disturbing scene of Torres struggling to free himself from the suitcase, his desperate cries for help echoing in the background.
Further examination of the footage revealed Boone’s disturbing reactions, including laughter and insensitive remarks amidst Torres’ pleas for mercy.
The difference between Boone’s story and the incriminating evidence grew, raising doubts about her claim of innocence.
Trial
Boone was accused of second-degree murder in the death of Jorge Torres Jr. and is now on her seventh attorney.
Over the past four years, the trial has faced delays due to changes in legal representation as public defenders don’t want to work with her.
Boone has consistently pleaded not guilty throughout the entire trial.
The trial’s start date has been postponed multiple times, leaving Torres Jr.’s family and the community uncertain.
Despite these delays, the pursuit for justice continues, with a status hearing scheduled for June 7, providing a glimmer of hope for Torres Jr.’s family and the community.
