Seven Charged in Torture and Murder of Minnesota Transgender Man

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. (AP) — Seven individuals were indicted on first-degree murder charges in connection with the torture and subsequent death of 24-year-old Sam Nordquist, a transgender man originally from Minnesota. The indictment was announced Wednesday by the Ontario County District Attorney’s Office, revealing shocking details of extensive abuse endured by Nordquist over the span of several weeks.

According to prosecutors, Nordquist was held captive in a motel room in Canandaigua from January 1 until his death on February 2, 2025. He was subjected to brutal treatment including physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. Before succumbing to his injuries, he was reportedly beaten with multiple objects, starved, forced to eat feces, and made to drink urine, Ontario County Assistant District Attorney Kelly Wolford stated during a news conference.

“Sam was beaten, assaulted, sexually abused, starved, and held captive, and we cannot make sense of that,” Wolford said, adding that he was treated “like a dog” throughout the ordeal.

Of particular concern is the revelation that Precious Arzuaga, one of the accused, allegedly coerced two minors, aged seven and twelve, into participating in the torture. “To have two children forced to partake in the abuse of another human being is deeply disturbing,” Wolford said. “Their lives are forever changed by what they witnessed.”

The other defendants include Patrick Goodwin, Kyle Sage, Jennifer Quijano, Emily Motyka, Kimberly Sochia, and Thomas Eaves. All seven individuals face charges not only for first-degree murder but also for kidnapping and endangering the welfare of children. In addition to those charges, some were also indicted for first-degree aggravated sexual abuse.

The seven were previously charged with second-degree murder but were upgraded to first-degree charges to reflect the nature of the crime. Under New York law, first-degree murder carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole, while the death penalty is currently not in effect.

The case has raised significant questions regarding the nature of the crime, specifically concerning whether it should be classified as a hate crime due to Nordquist’s gender identity. Wolford emphasized that the case transcends such classification, stating, “This case is bigger than a hate crime. To limit this to a hate crime would be an injustice to Sam.”

Nordquist was reported missing on February 9, 2025, by family members who expressed concern after losing contact with him. His body was later discovered wrapped in plastic and abandoned in a field, leading to the investigation that resulted in the current charges against his alleged killers.

As of March 5, 2025, the defendants are in custody awaiting arraignment, though no specific date has been provided. The ongoing investigation seeks to uncover further details surrounding the relationships and motivations of those involved, as all defendants reportedly had some form of association, whether familial, romantic, or social.