Justice Delayed: Sarah Boone's Fight for Appeal | Case Brief

·12 min·1 clip

Sarah Boone was convicted for murder after zipping her boyfriend into a suitcase and taunting him while he said he couldn't breathe.

The episode begins with a sponsor ad for Quince before transitioning into the case brief segment. Host Emily D. Baker introduces the topic of Sarah Boone's appeal, noting she was convicted of second-degree murder for placing her boyfriend Jorge Torres in a suitcase where he died. Boone videoed the incident while intoxicated and taunting Torres, then went to bed and was shocked to find him dead the next morning. She was offered a 15-year plea deal but rejected it and received a life sentence. After her conviction, notice of appeal was filed, but her initial attorney withdrew, and multiple appointed appellate attorneys have since withdrawn as well. One attorney cited no longer practicing appellate law, while another accepted a job as a state prosecutor, creating a conflict. The appellate court granted extensions for filing the initial brief, with a deadline approaching, but no brief has been filed. Sarah Boone wrote a notice of inquiry to the court on October 27, expressing frustration over lack of communication and uncertainty about her attorney and appeal status. The court responded with an amended order on November 4, appointing private counsel David Maldonado after a certified conflict prevented the regional counsel's office from handling the case. This delay was due to funding issues, as private counsel requires state payment contingent on a conflict finding. Emily speculates that Boone's inquiry prompted this action, and without it, the issue might have lingered. The new attorney will need time to review the extensive record, including trial transcripts, court hearings, and Boone's letters, potentially delaying the appeal filing until 2026. Grounds for appeal include Boone being forced to represent herself and denied more time during proceedings. Despite the delays, Emily notes that Boone's respectful inquiry was effective in advocating for herself, and her right to appeal will be preserved even if deadlines are missed due to attorney issues. The episode concludes with a reminder of the Law Nerd app and a promotional segment for a hospital in Ottawa.

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