RAW COURT AUDIO-Judge Denies Sarah Boone's Request to Delay Suitcase Murder Trial

Hidden Killers With Tony Brueski | True Crime News & Commentary

Judge Michael Kraynick has denied a motion to delay the upcoming trial of Sarah Boone, who is accused of killing her boyfriend, Jorge Torres Jr., by zipping him into a suitcase and leaving him to die. The decision was made after Boone, appearing in court with her ninth attorney, James Owens, requested a continuance to prepare a battered spouse syndrome defense.

Boone, charged with second-degree murder for the 2020 death of Torres Jr. during a drunken game of hide-and-seek at their Winter Park, Florida apartment, pleaded not guilty. Torres was allegedly left in the suitcase overnight, and Boone found him unresponsive the next morning before calling 911.

Owens, Boone's new lawyer from Milton in the Florida Panhandle, explained during the hearing that he needed more time to review evidence, conduct depositions, and hire experts essential for the defense strategy. "Yes, could I be ready for trial on Oct. 7? I believe I could. But, not without the battered spouse defense, because I don't believe my experts would be ready. So, that's instrumental to our defense," Owens told the judge.

Despite Owens' request to delay the trial until the end of the year or early next year, Judge Kraynick denied the motion. He emphasized that Boone's repeated changes in legal representation and the extended timeline of the case were factors in his decision. "Mr. Owens, it seems like you've already started diving into the case and what the court file has reflected," Judge Kraynick noted, highlighting the case's prolonged history.

Judge Kraynick further explained that Owens took on Boone's case knowing the existing deadlines and chose to represent her pro bono. "When you undertook this assignment, you undertook this assignment knowing that you were not being appointed, and that by your own representation, you're doing this free of charge, on a pro bono basis, not seeking compensation for any lodging or travel. You knew what the deadlines were for the court," he said.

Boone has been through at least eight previous lawyers, many of whom were appointed by the court. Several attorneys asked to withdraw, citing differences with Boone or other concerns, and at least one attorney stepped down due to a conflict of interest. This turnover in legal representation ultimately led Judge Kraynick to rule that Boone had forfeited her right to additional court-appointed defense attorneys, leaving her with the option to either represent herself or hire a private attorney.

A trial management conference is set for September 26, and the trial is scheduled to begin on October 7. The court's decision to move forward without further delay underscores the lengthy process and challenges Boone has faced in securing and retaining legal representation.

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