A 24-year-old transgender man, Sam Nordquist, was brutally tortured and killed in upstate New York, sparking outrage within the LGBTQ+ community. The case, which has been described as one of the most “depraved” investigations authorities have ever encountered, has led to the arrest of five individuals charged with second-degree murder.
Sam Nordquist's Disappearance and Death
Sam Nordquist, originally from Minnesota, moved to New York in September 2023. He was reported missing by his family on February 9, 2025, after losing contact with them in early February. His body was discovered on February 13, 2025, in a field in Benton, approximately 53 miles southeast of Rochester. It was determined that Nordquist had been subjected to prolonged physical and psychological abuse at a motel in Canandaigua, where authorities believe he lived with one of the accused.
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Details of the Abuse
According to New York State Police, Nordquist endured extensive violence, including repeated acts of torture using various objects such as sticks, belts, dog toys, ropes, and even a table leg. The abuse began in December 2024 and lasted until February 2025. His body was discarded in an attempt to conceal the crime.
Five Suspects Arrested
Five individuals, aged between 19 and 38, have been arrested in connection with the murder. They are Precious Arzuaga (38), Jennifer A. Quijano (30), Kyle Sage (33), Patrick A. Goodwin (30), and Emily Motyka (19). All five have been charged with second-degree murder with depraved indifference. The police are still investigating the relationship between the suspects and Nordquist, as well as their connections to one another.
Authorities Describe the Crime as “Beyond Depraved”
New York State Police Major Kevin Sucher called the case “by far the worst” homicide his office has handled in his 20-year career, describing it as “one of the most horrific crimes” he has ever investigated. Captain Kelly Swift confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and has not ruled out the possibility of the crime being a hate crime.
Outrage from the LGBTQ+ Community
The brutal murder has caused deep anger and grief among members of the LGBTQ+ community. The Rochester LGBTQ+ Together advocacy group condemned the violence, asserting that “the epidemic of violence against transgender people is a direct consequence of ignorance and hatred in society.”
Rochester city council members Mary Lupien, Stanley Martin, and Kim Smith issued a joint statement expressing their commitment to transgender rights and safety, reaffirming that all transgender individuals “belong—fully, openly, and without fear.”
Potential Hate Crime Investigation
As the investigation continues, police have not ruled out classifying the murder as a hate crime. The authorities are also exploring the relationships between the suspects, with investigators working to determine how Nordquist came into contact with them.
LGBTQ+ Support for Victim's Family
Sam Nordquist’s tragic death has highlighted the rising hostility and violence faced by transgender individuals. A study by the University of California, Los Angeles, revealed that transgender people are over four times more likely to experience violence than their cisgender counterparts.
The ongoing investigation has led many, including Rochester’s city council, to emphasize the importance of protecting transgender individuals and ensuring their safety.
As the five suspects await trial, they face potential sentences ranging from 15 years to life in prison if convicted. The Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Sam Nordquist’s murder serves as a painful reminder of the growing violence against the transgender community and the need for stronger protections for transgender individuals across the United States.
