A transgender man named Sam Nordquist, who had been reported missing by his family, has been found dead in a field in New York. Authorities announced on Friday that Nordquist suffered repeated acts of violence and torture leading to his death.
Trooper Lynnea Crane, Public Information Officer, stated, “We are here today to provide an update on the case of Sam Nordquist, who was originally reported missing to New York State Police on February 9, 2025. Unfortunately, we must now confirm that this case has transitioned from a missing person investigation to a homicide investigation.”
Five individuals have been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with the case. The suspects include Precious Arzuaga, 38, and Patrick Goodwin, 30, both from Canandaigua; Kyle Sage, 33, from Rochester; Jennifer Quijano, 30, from Geneva; and Emily Motyka, 19, from Lima. They are currently awaiting arraignment.
Nordquist, 24-years-old, went missing on February 9th after moving to New York in September and losing contact with his family. Following a request for a welfare check by his relatives, New York State Police launched a missing person investigation. Investigators discovered that he had been living at Patty’s Lodge in Hopewell with Arzuaga and others.
Through diligent investigative work, authorities uncovered evidence indicating that Nordquist had been subjected to ongoing physical abuse since December. In a press briefing on Friday, police confirmed the discovery of human remains believed to be those of Nordquist in Yates County.
Captain Kelly Swift of the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation described the crime as one of the most horrific he has ever encountered. He noted that the investigation revealed a "deeply disturbing pattern of abuse" that ultimately led to Nordquist's death.
While specific details about the investigation remain scarce, officials have indicated that the nature of the torture endured by Nordquist was particularly brutal. Major Kevin Sucher emphasized the severity of the case during a televised news conference, stating it was “beyond depraved” and “by far the worst” homicide investigation his office has handled.
“No human being should have to endure what Sam endured,” Sucher remarked. When asked whether Nordquist’s torture and murder could be classified as a hate crime, Swift mentioned that this possibility had not been ruled out and underscored that the investigation is ongoing.
Investigators are currently looking into Nordquist’s relationships with the suspects as well as their connections to one another. The State Police are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward.
Transgender Man Found Dead in Field following Psychological and Physical Torture