In a tragic and deeply unsettling case, New York State Police have arrested five individuals in connection with the prolonged torture and murder of 24-year-old transgender man, Sam Nordquist. Originally from Minnesota, Nordquist’s body was discovered in a field off Payne Road in Benton, Yates County, after he was reported missing on February 9.
Authorities revealed that Nordquist endured severe physical and psychological abuse over a period of approximately two months before his death. He had been residing at Patty’s Lodge Motel in Hopewell, Ontario County, since his arrival in New York in September 2024. Investigators executed a search warrant at the motel on February 13, uncovering critical evidence related to the case.
The individuals charged with second-degree murder are:
- Precious Arzuaga, 38, of Canandaigua
- Patrick Goodwin, 30, of Canandaigua
- Kyle Sage, 33, of Rochester
- Jennifer Quijano, 30, of Geneva
- Emily Motyka, 19, of Lima
All five suspects were arraigned on February 14 and are currently held without bail at the Ontario County Jail. Their next court appearance is scheduled for February 19 in Hopewell Town Court.
Ontario County District Attorney James Ritts described the crime as “beyond depraved,” noting, “This is by far the worst homicide investigation that our office has ever been a part of.” Captain Kelly Swift of the State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation echoed these sentiments, stating, “In my 20-year law enforcement career, this is one of the most horrific crimes I have ever investigated.”
Investigators are exploring the relationships between Nordquist and the accused, as well as potential motives, including the possibility of the crime being hate-driven. The local LGBTQ+ community has expressed profound shock and grief over the incident, with leaders emphasizing the urgent need for increased protections and awareness to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The investigation remains active, and authorities urge anyone with additional information to contact the New York State Police at (585) 398-4100 or via email at crimetip@troopers.ny.gov.
