Emily Motyka , Reached a Guilty Plea In the Murder of Sam Nordquist

(06.02.26) One of the seven defendants awaiting trial for the 2025 torture and murder of Sam Nordquist in upstate/central New York reached a guilty plea today with the Ontario County Court. The youngest defendant at just 19 years of age has been the only one of the seven to accept responsibility or express remorse per Ontario County District Attorney Jason MacBride.

"Ms. Motyka is 19 years old, has no criminal history and, if we look at each of the seven defendants individually, Ms. Motyka certainly participated to a large extent but not to the same level that others did," MacBride said. "It's also important to note that she accepted responsibility ... (and) described some very graphic details as to Sam's death, so those are some of the factors that went into our considerations." [source 13WHAM News, Rochester, NY]

Motyka faces a minimum of 15 years to life in prison and a maximum of 50 years to life in prison with the guilty plea. The Nordquist family questions the claims of remorse as there were weeks that Sam was kept captive and could have been rescued if Motyka had sought help or informed authorities. They are now hoping for a maximum sentence.

The other six defendants: Precious Arzuaga, Kyle Sage, Patrick Goodwin, Jennifer Quijano, Kimberly Sochia and Thomas Eaves — are awaiting separate trials beginning in the fall of this year. Arzuaga, the individual who presented herself as a romantic interest to Mr. Nordquist and is accused of enlisting her co-defendants to participate in his torture and murder will go to trial first in August. The remaining trials will follow.