[A Florida woman, Sarah Boone, was sentenced to life in prison on Monday after being found guilty of second-degree murder for zipping her boyfriend, Jorge Torres Jr., into a suitcase, leaving him to suffocate and die.
Boone, 47, was convicted in October and claimed she was a victim of abuse by Torres, who she said had a history of physical and sexual abuse. However, prosecutors argued that Boone’s actions were premeditated and that she had planned to kill Torres.
During the trial, several of Torres’ family members spoke about the impact of his death, including his mother, Blanca Torres, who said Boone “not only killed my son, she killed a father, a brother, an uncle.” Torres’ sister, Victoria Torres, said Boone “has caused a lifetime of pain,” while his daughter, Ana Victoria Torres, said the death of her “incredible father” has left her with chronic depression and anxiety.
Boone took the stand before the sentencing and described the abuse she suffered at the hands of Torres, saying he had kicked, punched, spit on, raped, stabbed, and choked her. She also said she forgave herself for falling in love with a monster and still loved Torres despite his abuse.
The couple had been drinking and playing a game of hide-and-seek when Boone zipped Torres into the suitcase, thinking it would be funny. She recorded herself taunting Torres as he asked to be let out and then went upstairs to sleep. When she woke up, she found Torres unresponsive and called 911.
Prosecutors presented videos found on Boone’s phone that showed Torres frantically pleading to be released while Boone laughed and rebuffed him. The videos also showed Torres pushing on the suitcase and trying to get out.
Boone’s attorney argued that she was a victim of battered spouse syndrome and was afraid of Torres, but the judge denied her request for a new trial, citing alleged prosecutorial misconduct and other complaints about the trial.
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