Authorities in New York have arrested five individuals in connection with the disappearance and murder of a 24-year-old transgender man from Minnesota. The victim, Sam Nordquist, was reported missing in February, leading to a tragic discovery of human remains believed to be his in a field in Yates County.
According to law enforcement officials, evidence suggests that Nordquist endured weeks of physical abuse and torture before his death between December 2024 and February 2025. The case has been described as one of the most horrific crimes by Captain Kelly Swift of the New York State Police.
The suspects, ranging in age from 19 to 38, have been charged with second-degree murder with depraved indifference. They have been identified as Precious Arzuaga, Jennifer A. Quijano, Kyle Sage, Patrick A. Goodwin, and Emily Motyka. The suspects were arraigned and are currently held without bail at the Ontario County Jail.
If convicted, each suspect could face a sentence ranging from 15 years to life in prison. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to understand the relationships between the suspects and Nordquist.
Nordquist had traveled to New York in September to meet an online acquaintance. Friends and family had not heard from him since January 1, raising concerns about his well-being.
The Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of Nordquist's death. Investigators have not ruled out the possibility of classifying the murder as a hate crime or making additional arrests.
The tragic incident has sparked condolences from Rochester City Council members, who expressed their support for the transgender community. The council members emphasized the importance of inclusivity and condemned the heinous nature of the crime.
As the investigation continues, authorities are committed to seeking justice for Sam Nordquist and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
