New York prosecutors have unsealed an indictment charging seven people with first-degree murder for the horrific torture and killing of Sam Nordquist, a 24-year-old transgender man. One of the suspects is also accused of forcing two children, aged 7 and 12, to participate in the brutal beating.
Although LGBTQ+ advocacy groups urged authorities to file hate crime charges, Ontario County First Assistant District Attorney Kelly Wolford stated that the case goes beyond a hate crime. “This is one of the rare cases where we are charging first-degree murder based on torture,” she explained. “We must prove that all seven defendants tortured Sam and did so because they enjoyed it.”
The Suspects and Charges
The seven suspects arrested last month include:
- Precious Arzuaga, 38
- Kyle Sage, 33
- Patrick Goodwin, 30
- Emily Motyka, 19
- Jennifer Quijano, 30
- Kimberly Sochia, 29
- Thomas Eaves, 21
They are facing charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, kidnapping, and conspiracy. Arzuaga faces additional charges for coercing the two children into participating in the abuse.
Wolford emphasized that the first-degree murder charge carries the most severe punishment under New York law, with a potential life sentence without parole. She also noted that if the death penalty were still legal in New York, this case would have been eligible.
A Tragic Case of Abuse and Torture
Nordquist was last heard from on January 1, 2024. His family, who lived in Minnesota, reported him missing on February 9 after he failed to return home. He had traveled to New York in September 2024 after meeting a woman online. He was supposed to fly back home within two weeks but never boarded his return flight.
His remains were discovered on February 12 in a field in Benton, New York. Investigators believe he was tortured for days before dying in a motel in Hopewell, New York.
According to the indictment, Nordquist endured horrific abuse, including:
- Being physically and sexually assaulted
- Being denied food and water
- Being forced to eat feces and drink urine
- Being treated like a dog and made to obey commands
- Having his face covered with towels and duct tape
- Being doused with bleach
Wolford described the case as deeply disturbing. “To have children involved in this makes it even more heartbreaking. Their lives are forever changed by what they saw and were forced to do.”
Seeking Justice for Sam
Prosecutors explained that this case is not about Nordquist’s gender or identity but about the unimaginable cruelty he suffered. They also revealed that some of the suspects identified as LGBTQ+ and that one of them had lived with Nordquist before the crime.
Wolford vowed to seek justice, saying, “We are here for Sam, his family, and the community. What happened to him was truly horrific, and we must hold those responsible accountable.”
The suspects are expected to appear in court for their arraignment next week.
