UPDATE: Defendants in Sam Nordquist Murder Trial Will Be Tried Separately

Seven individuals appeared in Ontario County Court this week to prepare for their upcoming trials in connection with the murder and torture of 24-year-old Sam Nordquist, a transgender man from Minnesota. The defendants—Precious Arzuaga, Kyle Sage, Patrick Goodwin, Emily Motyka, Jennifer Quijano, Kimberly Sochia, and Thomas Eaves—are each accused of participating in the kidnapping, sexual assault, and killing of Nordquist in late 2024.

Nordquist had traveled to Canandaigua, New York, in the fall of 2024 to meet Arzuaga, whom he considered a romantic interest. What began as a short visit extended unexpectedly, prompting concern from his family when they lost contact with him after several months. Authorities questioned Arzuaga about Nordquist’s whereabouts, but she denied any knowledge of his location.

On February 13, 2025, Nordquist’s body was discovered in a field in Yates County.