Canandaigua, NY – In a tragic case emerging from upstate New York, 24-year-old Sam Nordquist, described by his mother as a man with a “heart of gold,” suffered a horrific fate allegedly at the hands of five individuals. Nordquist, originally from Oakdale, Minnesota, had traveled over 1,000 miles to meet Precious Arzuaga, a woman he had connected with online. Their meeting turned grim, culminating in a series of brutal events that led to his death.
Nordquist’s journey to New York in September was intended to further his relationship with Arzuaga. He was staying at Patty’s Lodge motel in Canandaigua, about 28 miles southeast of Rochester. However, after January 1, communication ceased between Nordquist and his family, which led to a welfare check request on February 9. Five days later, authorities discovered his remains in a Yates County field, showing distressing signs of torture.
According to New York State Police, the evidence suggests that Nordquist endured prolonged abuse physically and psychologically from December to February. The types of abuses he suffered included being punched, kicked, and beaten with various objects. “In my 20-year law enforcement career, this is one of the most horrific crimes I have ever investigated,” stated NYS Police Captain Kelly Swift. “No human being should have to endure what Sam endured.”
Nordquist’s mother, Linda, heartbroken, recalled her last conversation with her son. She described him as sounding incredibly sad, a departure from his usual outgoing nature. Sam was an animal lover and worked at a group home in Oakdale, providing care for vulnerable adults. “Sam did not deserve this. Nobody does,” Linda lamented, adding that those responsible were “pure evil.”
The investigation pointed to Sam’s death occurring between January 1 and January 2, after which his body was abandoned in the field. On Friday, law enforcement arrested five suspects connected to the tragic case. Those arrested include Jennifer Quijano, 30; Kyle Sage, 33; Patrick Goodwin, 30, a registered sex offender; Emily Motyka, 19; and Precious Arzuaga herself, who was romantically linked to Nordquist online.
All five suspects have been charged with second-degree murder and are currently held without bond. Goodwin had been residing at the same motel as Nordquist at the time of the arrests. Kyle Sage, among the arrested, had been previously jailed for theft and distributing pornography to a minor but was freed before the incidents in question.
Ontario County District Attorney Jim Ritts described the details of the crime as “beyond depraved,” underscoring the brutality observed. While the ongoing investigation has revealed that Nordquist’s assailants were known to each other and identified as LGBTQ+, no definitive motive has been established at this stage. The authorities have stressed not to speculate about the motive as they focus on securing justice for Sam.
This case continues to develop as law enforcement delves deeper into the relationships and dynamics among the individuals involved. The community and Nordquist’s family await answers and justice in a case that has shocked and saddened many across the region.