ORLANDO, Fla. (Court TV) – At a hearing Wednesday, Sarah Boone complained that she was “unprepared” to respond to the motions as she grappled with the question of what she would wear to court.
Sarah Boone enters the courtroom for a hearing on August 14, 2024. (Court TV)
Boone is charged with second-degree murder of her boyfriend, Jorge Torres Jr., who was found dead in a suitcase in the couple’s home. After eight attorneys withdrew their cases, Judge Michael Kraynick ruled that Boone had forfeited her right to an attorney and that she must now represent herself.
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One of the hurdles Boone faces as an incarcerated defendant is trying to view the evidence in her case. On Wednesday, Boone failed to persuade Kraynick to block a scheduled media hearing. Boone complained to the judge that she felt “unprepared” and blamed the lack of internet access for her inability to view the briefs filed in her case. Prison officials who testified said inmates who plead guilty do not have internet access.
Boone asked Judge Kraynick to close a scheduled evidentiary hearing in her case to the public, arguing that the media was exploiting her case for ratings and publicity and that she had a right to privacy. However, the judge ruled that Boone had failed in her duty to close the hearing.
However, prosecutors offered Boone an alternative. Investigators would meet Boone in a police office to allow her to review the evidence without the media present. Boone was warned that she was not to touch any of the evidence, as it could only be touched by investigators at the crime scene. Judge Kraynick approved the plan, but kept the hearing scheduled for September 3 if it did not go ahead.
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Although Boone came to the courtroom handcuffed to her waist, they were removed before the hearing so she could take notes without interference. She will also have her hands free during the trial, and instead of leg irons, she will be placed in “shock shackles” in the presence of the jury. On Wednesday, Judge Kraynick asked Boone if she had thought about what she would wear during the trial. Boone said she wanted to wear a skirt, although the judge warned her that if she did, the jury would be able to see the shackles on her leg. If she chooses pants, the shackles will not be visible.
Before she left, Boone filed a new motion with the court seeking money to cover the costs of a neuropsychologist as part of her defense. Although the state did not comment on the motion, due to Boone’s self-reliance and lack of means, there will need to be a formal hearing on the issue. Judge Kraynick said the hearing will be scheduled before the end of the week.
