A grand jury in Ontario County has indicted five individuals in connection with the murder of 24-year-old Sam Nordquist, who was subjected to months of torture before being killed.
District Attorney James B. Ritts announced Monday that the grand jury returned at least one felony charge against Precious Arzuaga, Patrick Goodwin, Emily Motyka, Jennifer “Brooklyn” Quijano, and Kyle Sage. The indictment means the defendants will now face proceedings in Ontario County Court, bypassing a previously scheduled appearance in Hopewell Town Court.
A case that shook the community
Nordquist was reported missing on February 9, prompting an investigation by New York State Police Troop E. Days later, authorities discovered remains matching Nordquist’s description in Yates County. Officials believe the murder took place in Ontario County before the body was moved in an attempt to conceal the crime.
Investigators later revealed that Nordquist had been subjected to prolonged physical and psychological abuse from December 2024 to February 2025. The five defendants, all of whom knew Nordquist, were arrested and charged with second-degree murder under the depraved indifference statute.
Ontario County District Attorney Jim Ritts did not hold back when describing the nature of the crime.
“As you’ve heard, the facts and circumstances of this crime are beyond depraved,” Ritts said. “No human being should have to endure what Sam endured.”
Hate crime concerns and state response
As details of Nordquist’s murder emerged, community members and advocacy groups questioned whether the killing was a hate crime due to Nordquist’s transgender identity. Authorities acknowledged these concerns but stated that, based on current evidence, they have no indication the crime was motivated by hate.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the killing and directed state agencies to assist in the investigation.
“The charges against these individuals are sickening, and all New Yorkers should join together to condemn this horrific act,” Hochul said in a statement. “I have directed State Police to provide any and all support to the District Attorney, including into whether this was a hate crime.”
Hochul also ordered the New York State Office of Victim Services to support Nordquist’s family and the Division of Human Rights Hate and Bias Prevention Unit to assist affected community members.
A mother’s grief and demand for justice
Nordquist’s mother, Linda Nordquist, has spoken out about the devastating loss of her son. She described him as kind, hardworking, and deeply devoted to his family.
“He would give you the shirt off his back,” she told WROC-TV.
Linda Nordquist said she had warned her son against traveling to New York for a woman but he went anyway. The last time they spoke was on January 1, when he told her, “I love you, I’ll call you tomorrow.” That call never came.
She has called those accused of his murder “evil” and believes her son was targeted due to his transgender identity.
Investigation into suspects and motive
Authorities continue to investigate the full circumstances of Nordquist’s murder, including the relationships between the victim and the accused. They confirmed that digital evidence, such as phone records, is still being analyzed.
Among the suspects, Kyle Sage and Patrick Goodwin were on parole for previous offenses, including sexual crimes involving minors. Precious Arzuaga had multiple misdemeanor convictions. All five suspects remain in custody without bail.
If convicted, they face 15 years to life in prison.
New York State Police have urged anyone with information about the case to contact investigators at (585) 398-4100 or email [email protected].
“We know this is just the start of a long road to justice,” Ritts said. “We hope the community will continue to support this investigation and help bring closure to Sam’s family.”
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