Newly released court documents reveal more details about the horrific abuse suffered by Sam Nordquist before his death, as prosecutors formally charged all seven defendants with an array of additional felonies, including aggravated sexual abuse, coercion, and child endangerment.
The Ontario County grand jury indictment confirms that the accused—Precious Arzuaga, Thomas Eaves, Kimberly Sochia, Jennifer Quijano (aka “Brooklyn”), Kyle Sage, Patrick Goodwin, and Emily Motyka—acted together over a month-long period, subjecting Nordquist to severe physical, sexual, and psychological torture before his death on February 2.
Expanded list of charges
Each defendant is now charged with:
- First-degree murder (NY Penal Law §125.27) – for allegedly killing Nordquist in an “especially cruel and wanton manner,” inflicting torture before his death.
- Second-degree murder (NY Penal Law §125.25) – for acting with depraved indifference to human life.
- First-degree kidnapping (two counts) (NY Penal Law §135.25) – for restraining Nordquist for more than 12 hours with the intent to inflict injury, abuse him sexually, and terrorize him.
- Second-degree conspiracy (NY Penal Law §105.15) – for planning and executing Nordquist’s prolonged abuse and captivity.
New allegations of sexual abuse and coercion
Court documents allege that Arzuaga, Quijano, Sage, and Goodwin committed aggravated sexual abuse, specifically inserting a foreign object into Nordquist’s body, causing physical injury. This charge carries a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
Additionally, Arzuaga faces two first-degree coercion charges for allegedly forcing two children—a 7-year-old and a 12-year-old—to participate in Nordquist’s abuse. Prosecutors say she made them engage in acts of violence against Nordquist, further exacerbating the horror of the case.
“This is a rare circumstance where we stand before you and charge this subdivision of murder in the first degree,” the DA’s office stated on Wednesday. “We must prove that all seven defendants tortured Sam Nordquist and that they did so because they enjoyed it.”
Despite Nordquist being transgender, officials said the crime did not meet the legal threshold for a hate crime. “This case is bigger than a hate crime,” the prosecutor’s office added. “To limit it to that would be an injustice to Sam.”
Horrific acts of torture detailed
The indictment outlines numerous acts of brutality committed against Nordquist, including:
- Forcing him to stand or kneel for prolonged periods.
- Beating him repeatedly with punches, kicks, and other means.
- Forcing him to consume feces, urine, and chewing tobacco spit.
- Covering his face with fabric and duct tape.
- Pouring bleach on him.
- Preventing him from using a phone or seeking help.
- Confining him and treating him like an animal, forcing him to obey commands.
After Nordquist succumbed to his injuries, the defendants allegedly wrapped his body in plastic bags and transported it to a remote field in Yates County, where it was later discovered.
Charges of Concealing a Human Corpse and Child Endangerment
Six of the seven suspects—excluding Eaves—are additionally charged with concealment of a human corpse (NY Penal Law §195.02), accused of attempting to hide Nordquist’s body to obstruct the investigation.
All defendants are also charged with endangering the welfare of a child (NY Penal Law §260.10) for subjecting the 7-year-old and 12-year-old to an environment of extreme violence and abuse.
What’s next?
The suspects remain in custody and await arraignment. Prosecutors have not identified a single ringleader, maintaining that all seven participated equally in the prolonged torture.
Nordquist’s family, who laid him to rest earlier this week, expressed relief that the full extent of the abuse is being brought to light but emphasized that nothing can undo their loss.
The Ontario County District Attorney’s Office stated that it will pursue the maximum sentences for all defendants, calling this “one of the most egregious cases of torture and murder” the county has ever seen.
A trial date has yet to be set.
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