No Evidence of Hate Crime in Killing of Transgender Man, Authorities Say
Authorities investigating the brutal murder of Sam Nordquist in upstate New York have stated that there is no evidence to classify the killing as a hate crime. Officials pointed out that the five individuals charged in connection with Nordquist’s death also identify as LGBTQ+.
In a joint press release over the weekend, the Ontario County District Attorney’s Office and the New York State Police urged the public to avoid speculation regarding the motive behind the crime.
“At this time, we have no indication that Sam’s murder was a hate crime,” the statement read. “To help alleviate understandable concerns, we are disclosing that Sam and his alleged attackers were known to each other, identified as LGBTQ+, and at least one of the defendants lived with Sam in the period leading up to the offense.”
The five suspects—Precious Arzuaga, 38; Jennifer A. Quijano, 30; Kyle Sage, 33; Patrick A. Goodwin, 30; and Emily Motyka, 19—have been arrested, arraigned, and ordered to be held without bail in Ontario County Jail on charges of second-degree murder.
According to a felony complaint obtained by 13WHAM, Nordquist was subjected to severe torture and sexual assault using a table leg and broomsticks. Investigators say he endured prolonged and repeated beatings involving sticks, belts, ropes, dog toys, and canes, ultimately leading to his death.
Nordquist was reported missing by his family on February 9. Within days, state police investigators determined that his disappearance was suspicious and alerted the Ontario County District Attorney’s Office. On February 12, police discovered his remains in a field in Yates County.
Authorities believe Nordquist was killed in Ontario County before his alleged attackers transported and disposed of his body in Yates County in an attempt to cover up the crime.
“No human being should have to endure what Sam endured,” authorities said during a televised news conference. A police captain described the crime as “one of the most horrific” cases she had encountered in her 20-year career.
Originally from Oakdale, Minnesota, Nordquist had traveled to New York in September to meet his “online girlfriend,” according to a GoFundMe page created by his sister, Kayla. He had purchased a round-trip plane ticket and was expected to return home in mid-October. However, his family had not heard from him since January 1, and the last confirmed sighting of him was in early February.
As of Tuesday, the GoFundMe campaign launched to support Nordquist’s family—including covering travel expenses to retrieve his body—had raised more than $100,000.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul addressed the case on Sunday, stating that she had instructed state police to provide “any and all support and resources” to the district attorney’s office as the investigation continues.
“The charges against these individuals are sickening, and all New Yorkers should join together to condemn this horrific act,” Hochul said.
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