BEYOND DEPRAVED: Two More Arrests Made in the Horrific Murder of Sam Nordquist

Authorities have arrested two additional individuals in connection with the death of 24-year-old Sam Nordquist, bringing the total number of suspects to seven.

New York State Police took 29-year-old Kimberly Sochia, of Canandaigua, and 21-year-old Thomas Eaves, of Geneva, into custody on Thursday evening. Both face charges of second-degree murder under the depraved indifference statute. Following their arrests, they were transported to the Ontario County Jail, where they await arraignment.

Last week, five other individuals—38-year-old Precious Arzguaga of Canandaigua, 30-year-old Jennifer Quijano of Geneva, 19-year-old Emily Motyka of Lima, 30-year-old Patrick Goodwin of Canandaigua, and 33-year-old Kyle Sage of Rochester—were arrested on the same charges. Earlier this week, an Ontario County Grand Jury formally indicted the five, with details of their specific felony charges expected to be revealed in their next court appearance.

Nordquist, originally from Minnesota, had traveled to the Finger Lakes region in September 2023. His family reported him missing earlier this month after losing contact with him on New Year’s Day. On February 13, law enforcement executed a search warrant at room 22 of Patty’s Lodge in Hopewell, where Nordquist had reportedly been staying.

Captain Kelly Swift of the State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation (Troop E) described the case as "deeply disturbing," revealing that investigators uncovered evidence of prolonged physical and psychological abuse leading up to Nordquist’s death.

"Based on evidence and witness statements, we have determined that Sam endured repeated acts of violence and torture at the hands of multiple individuals," Swift stated.

Authorities believe that from December through early February, Nordquist was subjected to extreme mistreatment, which ultimately resulted in his death. In an effort to hide the crime, those involved allegedly disposed of his body in a remote field off Payne Road in Benton, Yates County.

Ontario County District Attorney Jim Ritts condemned the crime, calling it the most horrific homicide case his office has ever handled.

“The facts and circumstances of this case are beyond depraved,” Ritts said on February 14. “No human being should have to endure what Sam endured.”

While Nordquist was transgender, the Ontario County District Attorney’s Office issued a statement clarifying that, at this time, there is no evidence to suggest the killing was motivated by bias or a hate crime.