Canandaigua, NY — New York law enforcement officials have arrested five individuals in connection with the death of a Minnesota man whose tortured body was found in an upstate field. The deceased, identified as Sam Nordquist, had apparently suffered months of abuse before his murder.
Nordquist, a transgender man, had traveled from Minnesota to Rochester, New York, in September 2024 to meet someone he had been in contact with online. He was scheduled to return home the following month but never boarded his return flight. His family last heard from him on New Year’s Day, adding to the mysterious circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
His body was discovered on February 13 in a field in Yates County, roughly 30 miles southeast of Rochester. According to the New York State Police, Nordquist had been staying at a local motel, Patty’s Lodge, located just north of Yates in Canandaigua.
Following the gruesome discovery, authorities quickly moved to arrest five suspects linked to the gruesome crime: Precious N. Arzuaga, 38, of Canandaigua; Emily Jean Motyka, 19, of Lima; Jennifer A. Quijano, 30, of Geneva; Kyle R. Sage, 33, of Rochester; and Patrick A. Goodwin, 30, of Canandaigua. All are charged with second-degree murder, facing serious legal repercussions if convicted.
Law enforcement officials describe the torture Nordquist endured as exceptionally brutal, involving commonplace objects like a table and broomsticks. “This is among the most horrific cases I’ve seen in over two decades of service,” Captain Kelly Swift, head of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Troop E, stated. Swift further emphasized the prolonged physical and psychological torment inflicted on Nordquist by multiple assailants.
Despite the severe nature of the crime, early investigations suggest the murder was not motivated by hate towards Nordquist’s gender identity. Both the New York State Police and the Ontario County District Attorney’s office have indicated no evidence currently points to a hate crime. They highlighted that Nordquist and some of the accused were part of the LGBTQ+ community and were acquainted before the ordeal.
“This clarification is vital to ensure the public understands the nature of this crime,” the authorities said in a joint statement. They also stressed the importance of refraining from speculation about the murder’s motive as they continue their quest for justice.
The arrests and details surrounding the death of Sam Nordquist have stirred discussions and concerns within both the local and national communities, spotlighting issues of safety and justice for transgender individuals. As the investigation proceeds, many hope that it brings closure to Nordquist’s grieving family and friends, and that it reaffirms the commitment to safeguarding vulnerable communities against violence. The legal process now awaits for the suspects, with the community closely watching for justice to be served.