UPDATE: Defendants in Sam Nordquist Murder Trial Will Be Tried Separately
(April 15, 2026) - 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. The discovery launched an extensive investigation that led to the arrest of the seven defendants. Prosecutors allege that the group, a tangled network of friends, relatives, and romantic partners, subjected Nordquist to prolonged abuse and torture before his death. Investigators also believe that minors may have been encouraged to take part in these acts of violence.
During this week’s court proceedings, a judge ruled that each defendant will face a separate trial, with proceedings scheduled to begin in September. The case has drawn attention from both local and national advocates, who have called for justice for Nordquist and greater protections for transgender individuals facing violence.
As the trials approach, central and western New York communities continue to grapple with the disturbing details of the case and the broader implications of hate-motivated violence on the Trans community nationwide. Despite the identity of the victim, prosecutors opted not to charge the defendants with a hate crime as it did not denote extended sentencing at conviction and several of the accused are reported to also be members of the LGBTQ community.