Staff Report / August 14, 2026
CANANDAIGUA – Another suspect charged in connection with the tragic 2025 kidnapping and murder of Sam Nordquist is expected to change his plea to guilty this week in Ontario County Court.
Kyle Sage, one of seven co-defendants indicted in the high-profile homicide case, is scheduled to appear before a judge on Friday, August 14, where prosecutors expect him to formally enter a guilty plea. Sage would become the fourth individual to reach a plea agreement in the case, following previous guilty pleas entered by Emily Motyka, Precious Arzuaga, and Jennifer Quijano.
Sage’s trial had originally been slated to begin in January 2027 alongside co-defendant Patrick Goodwin. Law enforcement officials confirmed that Goodwin’s trial is currently still expected to proceed as planned.
Key details surrounding the murder case and court proceedings include:
- Case Background: Sam Nordquist, a 24-year-old Minnesota native, was held against his will, tortured, and sexually abused at a Hopewell motel outside Canandaigua between January 1 and February 2, 2025.
- Discovery: Nordquist’s body was later recovered by law enforcement in a rural field located in Benton, Yates County.
- Preceding Pleas: Within the past two months, co-defendants Emily Motyka, Precious Arzuaga, and Jennifer Quijano each entered guilty pleas regarding their roles in the kidnapping and death.
- Upcoming Proceedings: Official details regarding the specific charges and potential sentencing terms tied to Sage’s plea agreement are expected to be outlined during Friday’s court appearance.
For additional background on the legal proceedings and trial schedule following the initial indictments in Ontario County, this Sam Nordquist Murder Trial Overview provides insights into how prosecutors originally structured the individual cases for the seven co-defendants.
