Officials in Ontario County issued a brief statement Wednesday following the indictment of two additional suspects in the murder of 24-year-old Sam Nordquist, bringing the total number of individuals charged in the case to seven.
“Our hearts are with everyone affected by this tragedy,” the statement read. “Confidentiality laws prevent Ontario County from sharing any details about individuals who may have been receiving assistance. We remain committed to serving and supporting our community during this difficult time and will continue working closely with the appropriate authorities.”
The statement comes after a grand jury indicted 29-year-old Kimberly Sochia of Canandaigua and 21-year-old Thomas Eaves of Geneva, adding them to the list of those charged in Nordquist’s death. The two were arrested last week and charged with second-degree murder under the depraved indifference statute. Their case will now proceed directly to Ontario County Court.
Authorities say Nordquist, a transgender man from Minnesota, was reported missing on February 9. His remains were later found in Yates County, and investigators believe he had endured months of physical and psychological abuse before being killed in Ontario County. His body was moved in an attempt to conceal the crime.
Ontario County District Attorney Jim Ritts has called the case “beyond depraved,” describing the prolonged suffering Nordquist endured before his death. While some community members have urged officials to classify the killing as a hate crime due to Nordquist’s gender identity, law enforcement has said there is no current evidence indicating bias as a motive.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials encourage anyone with information to contact the New York State Police.
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