In a harrowing case that has shocked both local communities and the nation, five individuals have been arrested and charged with the torture and murder of 24-year-old transgender man, Sam Nordquist, originally from Oakdale, Minnesota. Nordquist’s body was discovered on February 13, 2025, in a field in Yates County, New York, after enduring prolonged physical and psychological abuse.
Nordquist had traveled to Canandaigua, New York, in September 2024 to meet 38-year-old Precious Arzuaga, whom he had been dating online. He was staying with Arzuaga at Patty’s Lodge motel in Hopewell. Communication with his family ceased on January 1, 2025, prompting them to file a missing person report on February 9. Subsequent investigations led authorities to the grim discovery of his remains.
The five suspects—Arzuaga; Jennifer Quijano, 30; Kyle Sage, 33; Patrick Goodwin, 30; and Emily Motyka, 19—have been charged with second-degree murder. Investigators revealed that Nordquist was subjected to continuous acts of violence and torture from December 2024 until his death. The abuse included beatings with various objects and sexual assault. Ontario County District Attorney Jim Ritts described the details of the crime as “beyond depraved.”
Despite the brutality of the crime, authorities have stated there is no current indication that Nordquist’s murder was a hate crime. Both the Ontario County District Attorney’s Office and the New York State Police emphasized that the victim and his alleged assailants were known to each other and identified as LGBTQ+. They urged the community not to speculate on the motive as the investigation continues.
Nordquist’s mother, Linda, expressed profound grief over her son’s death. She described Sam as having “a heart of gold” and being an animal lover who worked at a group home for vulnerable adults. Reflecting on their last conversation, she recalled, “The last thing Sam said is, ‘I love you, and I’ll call you tomorrow.’ Tomorrow came and I never heard a word.”
The case has sparked outrage and sorrow within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Advocacy groups have condemned the violence and called for justice. A vigil for Nordquist is planned for 7 p.m. on Monday at the Minnesota State Capitol, providing a space for the community to mourn and honor his memory.
Sources:
- https://www.kare11.com/article/news/crime/mom-minnesota-transgender-man-killed-nyc-speaks-sam-nordquist/89-459e4013-346e-4a28-af6d-43feeeb2d1bd
- https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/02/17/authorities-say-they-have-no-indications-yet-that-sam-nordquists-death-was-a-hate-crime
- https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/16/trans-man-new-york-five-charged-murder
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLgKmXKxK8A
