Disturbing details emerge in death of Sam Nordquist, transgender man who was tortured and killed in New York
Nordquist, 24, was beaten, sexually assaulted, starved and forced to consume feces, urine and tobacco juice over the course of a month, officials said Wednesday.
Authorities in New York have revealed disturbing new details surrounding the death of Sam Nordquist, a 24-year-old transgender man from Minnesota, who was subjected to horrific abuse before his life was brutally taken.
Nordquist endured a month of unthinkable suffering while being held captive in a motel room in Ontario County, where he was beaten, sexually assaulted, starved, and forced to consume bodily waste, officials stated on Wednesday.
A Nightmare Unfolds in Room 22
According to an 11-count indictment filed in Ontario County court, seven individuals are accused of carrying out the unimaginable acts of violence against Nordquist. The indictment describes repeated physical assaults—including hitting, kicking, and inserting objects into his body—along with psychological and emotional torture. Prosecutors allege that Nordquist was forced to ingest feces, urine, and tobacco juice, had bleach poured on him, and was bound with duct tape. Even more disturbingly, young children were allegedly coerced into participating in the abuse.
The sheer brutality of the crime, committed against a Black transgender man between January 1 and February 2, has sparked national outrage, local protests, and painful questions from his family and activists: How could such a horrific tragedy go unnoticed?
Seven Suspects Face Charges
Nordquist, who had traveled to New York in September to meet a woman he connected with online, ultimately found himself trapped in a nightmare. That woman, Precious Arzuaga, is now among the seven individuals charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, kidnapping, conspiracy, and child endangerment.
Arzuaga, along with Kyle Sage, Patrick Goodwin, and Jennifer Quijano, also faces charges of aggravated sexual abuse. Prosecutors allege that Arzuaga forced two children, ages 7 and 12, to take part in the assaults. The group is also accused of attempting to cover up the crime by wrapping Nordquist’s body in plastic bags and abandoning it in a field.
Ontario County Assistant District Attorney Kelly Wolford, visibly emotional at a press conference, described the crime as almost incomprehensible.
“We may never understand why. Because what kind of human being could do something like this?” she said.
A Complex Web of Connections
The seven suspects—Arzuaga, 38; her son, Thomas Eaves, 21; Quijano, 30; Sage, 33; Goodwin, 30; Emily Motyka, 19; and Kimberly Sochia, 29—were all acquainted, some through personal relationships. Goodwin, a registered sex offender, was staying nearby at the time of the crime. Both he and Sage were on parole for prior sex-related offenses.
In Room 22 at Patty’s Lodge, investigators say Nordquist was forced to obey his captors’ commands “like a dog.”
Defense attorneys representing the accused have not issued a statement.
Calls for Justice and the Question of Hate Crime Charges
LGBTQ+ advocates have urged authorities to consider Nordquist’s murder as a hate crime. However, prosecutors chose to pursue first-degree murder charges, which carry the harshest penalties under New York law.
“To label this only as a hate crime would be an injustice to Sam,” Wolford stated. “Sam’s story deserves to be told in full.”
If convicted, the defendants face life imprisonment without parole.
BEFORE YOU CONTINUE!
The LGBTQ+ community has long fought for its right to exist freely and safely—and now, more than ever, that fight continues. We need your help urgently. Let’s stand together, stay informed, and ensure that no one faces this threat alone. Take full advantage of our International Women’s Day 50% Off Special offer today to support our work.
The Involvement of Children
Perhaps one of the most harrowing revelations in the indictment is the alleged coercion of two young children, forced to take part in Nordquist’s abuse.
“It’s heartbreaking,” Wolford said. “They may have been forced, but their lives are forever changed.”
Officials declined to confirm whether the children were Arzuaga’s or if they were now in protective custody.
Missed Opportunities to Save Nordquist
Nordquist’s family believes his death could have been prevented. They claim that they repeatedly raised concerns with authorities, requesting wellness checks and reporting that Nordquist had expressed fears for his safety to a social services agency.
“Sam might still be alive today if they had done their jobs,” his mother, Linda Nordquist, said through tears.
New York State Police defended their response, stating they followed appropriate investigative steps. Meanwhile, the Ontario County Department of Social Services has remained silent despite multiple inquiries.
Nordquist was officially reported missing on February 10, and just days later, his remains were discovered.
As the investigation continues, one question lingers: How did such prolonged, extreme cruelty unfold without intervention?
BEFORE YOU WALK AWAY!
The LGBTQ+ community has long fought for its right to exist freely and safely—and now, more than ever, that fight continues. We need your help urgently. Let’s stand together, stay informed, and ensure that no one faces this threat alone. Take full advantage of our International Women’s Day 50% Off Special offer today to support our work.
I am just beside myself with these details. No one deserves this! They lured him, abused him, violated him, forced CHILDREN to participate and then killed him. 😭 This is beyond fucked up! They better not accept ANY plea deals. They should all be prosecuted to the FULL extent of the law!
This coming from a lifelong atheist…hell is real and we’re living in it. I like to think I usually see the best in people, but there is nothing good to see in anyone who would do this to another human being.
EDIT: Also who does something like this and thinks they won’t get caught??? Do criminals really think they’re that much smarter than everyone else???