Staff Report / June 27, 2026
CANANDAIGUA – The woman prosecutors have described as the central figure in the kidnapping, torture, and killing of Sam Nordquist has pleaded guilty to all charges filed against her in Ontario County Court. Precious Arzuaga entered the guilty pleas Friday before Judge Kristina Karle, admitting responsibility for a series of crimes connected to Nordquist’s death. The plea includes charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping, aggravated sexual abuse, conspiracy, coercion, concealment of a human corpse, and endangering the welfare of a child. Prosecutors have indicated that Arzuaga is expected to receive a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole when she returns to court for sentencing in September.
Nordquist, a 24-year-old Minnesota resident, traveled to the Finger Lakes region in 2024 and was later reported missing by family members. Investigators allege that he was held captive for weeks at Patty’s Lodge in the Town of Hopewell, where he endured prolonged abuse before his death. Human remains later identified as Nordquist were discovered in Yates County in February 2025, leading to the arrest of seven individuals. Authorities have previously described the investigation as one of the most disturbing homicide cases ever handled in the region.
Key facts in the case include:
- Precious Arzuaga pleaded guilty to all charges against her in Ontario County Court.
- Charges included first-degree murder, kidnapping, aggravated sexual abuse, conspiracy, and concealment of a human corpse.
- Prosecutors allege Nordquist was subjected to prolonged abuse between December 2024 and February 2025.
- Arzuaga also admitted to charges involving the coercion of two children to participate in or witness the abuse.
- Sam Nordquist’s remains were discovered in Yates County in February 2025.
