Deep Dive
What was the cause of Jorge Torres Jr.'s death according to the medical examiner?
The cause of death was positional asphyxia with environmental suffocation, meaning Jorge suffocated due to his body's position inside the suitcase and the lack of oxygen in the enclosed space.
How long was Jorge estimated to have been inside the suitcase before he died?
Jorge was estimated to have been inside the suitcase for about 11 hours, based on the medical examiner's findings of skin slippage and rigor mortis.
What injuries were found on Jorge's body during the autopsy?
The autopsy revealed blunt force trauma injuries on Jorge's head, face, elbow, left shoulder, and left forearm and hand. Some injuries were consistent with being struck by a baseball bat or falling down stairs.
What was Sarah Boone's initial explanation for Jorge's death when she called 911?
Sarah Boone initially claimed that she and Jorge were playing a game of hide-and-seek, and she accidentally fell asleep while he was locked in the suitcase, leading to his death.
What evidence did the police find that contradicted Sarah's story?
The police found two videos on Sarah's cell phone showing her taunting and laughing at Jorge while he was inside the suitcase, pleading for help and saying he couldn't breathe.
What was the relationship history between Sarah Boone and Jorge Torres Jr.?
Sarah and Jorge had a three-year relationship marred by domestic issues, including multiple arrests for battery and strangulation. Sarah often bailed Jorge out of jail and they would reconcile.
What was the defense's strategy during Sarah Boone's trial?
The defense claimed that Sarah was a victim of domestic violence and that her actions were a form of self-defense. They argued that Jorge had a history of abusing Sarah, and she felt threatened and trapped.
What was the jury's verdict in Sarah Boone's trial?
The jury found Sarah Boone guilty of second-degree murder, rejecting her self-defense claims and the battered spouse syndrome argument.
What was the prosecution's argument in the trial?
The prosecution argued that Sarah intentionally let Jorge suffocate to death inside the suitcase, citing the forensic evidence and the cell phone videos as proof of her intent.
Why did Sarah Boone's trial face multiple delays?
The trial faced delays due to her defense attorney contracting COVID-19, her defense team's attempts to use the battered spouse defense, and Sarah's difficulty working with multiple attorneys, leading to the judge allowing her to represent herself.
- Jorge Torres Jr. found dead inside a suitcase
- Sarah Boone's initial 911 call and inconsistent statements
- Discovery of videos showing Jorge pleading for help while trapped