Sarah Boone Faces Legal Hurdles as Pro Se Defendant in High-Profile Murder Case

At a hearing on August 14, 2024, Sarah Boone, accused of second-degree murder for allegedly killing her boyfriend Jorge Torres Jr. by zipping him into a suitcase, expressed frustration with her preparedness for upcoming motions in her case.

Boone is representing herself in court after eight attorneys withdrew from her case, and a judge ruled she had forfeited her right to counsel. She raised concerns about her limited access to legal resources and struggled to address the challenges she faces as a pro se defendant.

One of Boone’s primary complaints during the hearing was her inability to review the evidence in her case due to the lack of internet access in jail. She requested that the media be excluded from an upcoming evidence viewing,

claiming it was exploiting her case for publicity and violating her privacy. However, Judge Michael Kraynick denied her request, stating that she did not meet the legal standard required to close the hearing to the public.

In response to Boone’s concerns about the evidence viewing, prosecutors offered a compromise. They proposed that Boone be allowed to view the evidence at a law enforcement office without the presence of media, although she would not be permitted to handle any of the evidence.

Judge Kraynick approved this alternative arrangement but scheduled another hearing for September 3 to ensure the plan proceeds as intended.

Additionally, Boone and the judge discussed her appearance during the upcoming trial. Boone expressed a desire to wear a skirt, despite being warned that doing so would make the “stun cuff” on her leg visible to the jury. If she chooses to wear pants, the cuff will be hidden.

The court is accommodating Boone’s requests for comfort and accessibility during the trial, such as removing her handcuffs for note-taking and ensuring her hands remain free during the proceedings.

Before the hearing concluded, Boone filed a motion requesting funds to hire a neuropsychologist for her defense, citing her pro se and indigent status. The state did not oppose the motion, but a formal hearing will be required to address it. Judge Kraynick assured Boone that this issue would be scheduled for discussion before the end of the week.