Florida woman charged with murder seeks unusual court motion; Hair and makeup services denied in court

Defendant Sarah Boone faces trial after her unusual plea for professional nursing services was rejected by the judge.

Defendant Sarah Boone faces trial after her unusual plea for professional nursing services was rejected by the judge.

Sarah Boone, a Florida woman charged with second-degree murder for allegedly suffocating her boyfriend by trapping him in a suitcase, asked the court to allow her to have her hair and makeup professionally done before her trial let. Boone, who has been in prison since the 2020 incident, argued during a preliminary hearing that she wanted to present herself “appropriately” in court. However, their request was quickly rejected due to security concerns and prison restrictions.

Request denied due to security concerns

Initially, the presiding judge was willing to grant a more modest version of the request and allow Boone's legal team to apply makeup to her after she entered the courtroom. However, the Orange County Sheriff's Office objected, pointing out that makeup is considered a banned substance in the jail due to security risks. As a result, the judge dismissed her claim entirely, citing these concerns as paramount.

According to Court TV, Boone's request was considered highly unusual, especially in a case involving such serious allegations. The defendant's attempts to address her appearance reflect the unique challenges that have arisen as she continues to represent herself in court.

The “Crime: Hide and Seek game” turns deadly

Boone's legal troubles stem from an incident that occurred on February 25, 2020, at the Winter Park apartment she shared with boyfriend Jorge Torres Jr. According to investigators, the couple had been binge drinking on the night of the fatal incident. Boone claims that while drunk they started playing a game of hide-and-seek. She said she left Torres in a suitcase and believed he could get out on his own. Boone stated that she went to bed thinking Torres had left the suitcase, but when she woke up the next morning she realized he was not next to her. She later found him dead in the suitcase around 11 a.m

Shocking video evidence

One of the most damning pieces of evidence in the case came from Boone's phone. Investigators discovered a video that showed Torres in the suitcase, struggling to breathe and calling for help. In the video, Torres was heard screaming, “I can't fucking breathe,” while Boone appeared to ignore his pleas. This crucial evidence obtained by police was a focus of the prosecution's case against Boone.

Litigation and Prison Misconduct

Boone's legal journey has been turbulent since her arrest. Accordingly NewsweekShe was represented in and out of court on various charges and repeatedly changed legal representation due to conflicts and differences of opinion. Due to recent developments, Boone has chosen to represent herself in court after firing several attorneys, making her defense even more complex.

Her behavior in prison has also caused a stir. Authorities determined that Boone violated prison rules by altering her prison uniform with staples, which is prohibited. This rebellious behavior has further complicated her situation as she continues to run afoul of the system while awaiting trial.

Defense Strategy: Claims of Battered Spouse Syndrome

Boone's defense focused on allegations that she suffered from abuse syndrome, which may have influenced her behavior during the incident. She also raised concerns about the interrogation process, claiming she was forced to speak to police officers without being properly informed of her Miranda rights. These allegations are expected to be key aspects of her defense as the trial progresses.

Trial and possible conviction

Boone's trial is scheduled to begin on October 7, 2024 and she is charged with second-degree murder. If convicted, Boone could face life in prison. The case has attracted widespread attention due to the bizarre nature of the crime and Boone's erratic behavior during the trial.