‘They Enjoyed It’: DA’s Office Details Gruesome Torture and Murder of Sam Nordquist
Reader discretion is advised as the details released today are graphic and may be distressing to some readers. This case marks the most horrific murder case in recorded local history.
Seven individuals have been indicted on charges of first-degree murder in connection with the brutal torture and killing of Sam Nordquist, authorities announced during a press conference on Tuesday. The indictment, filed earlier that morning, marks a significant step in the pursuit of justice for Nordquist, whose body was discovered abandoned in a rural Yates County field last month. All seven individuals were originally facing second degree charges of murder of depraved indifference which have since been upgraded in this indictment.
Law enforcement officials detailed the charges against Precious Arzuaga, Jennifer Quijano (also known as Brooklyn), Kyle Sage, Patrick Goodwin, Emily Motyka, Thomas Eaves, and Kimberly Sochia. Each defendant faces multiple counts, including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, conspiracy, aggravated sexual abuse, coercion, and concealment of a human corpse.
The Ontario County District Attorney’s Office outlined the gruesome details of the case, explaining that Nordquist was allegedly held captive at 22 Patty’s Lodge in Ontario County from January 1 to February 2, 2025. During this time, he was subjected to physical abuse, starvation, dehydration, and sexual assault. Prosecutors claim he was beaten, forced to ingest bodily fluids, restrained, and ultimately tortured to death.
“This is a rare circumstance where we charge first-degree murder under the subdivision that alleges torture,” the DA’s office said. “It specifically requires that we prove that all seven defendants tortured Sam Nordquist and did so because they enjoyed it.”
The DA’s office described the case as one of the most disturbing she has ever prosecuted, emphasizing that the evidence suggests the defendants worked together to orchestrate and carry out the prolonged abuse. The indictment alleges that Nordquist was denied access to his phone, restrained with duct tape, and doused with bleach.
Additionally, Arzuaga faces separate coercion charges for allegedly forcing a seven-year-old and a twelve-year-old to participate in the abuse. Authorities stated that these children were also victims, manipulated into engaging in the torture. All seven defendants are charged with endangering the welfare of a child.
Authorities say Nordquist’s body was eventually removed from the lodge and dumped in a farmer’s field in Gates County, wrapped in plastic bags. The charge of concealment of a human corpse reflects this alleged attempt to cover up the crime.
The DA’s office noted that some of the defendants have prior criminal records, with at least two being on parole at the time of the murder. However, there is no indication that any of them had committed similar crimes in the past.
Law enforcement officials, including Major Kevin Sucher of the New York State Police and Ontario County Sheriff’s Office representatives, praised the collaborative effort between agencies, including the Child Advocacy Center of the Finger Lakes and Ontario County Department of Social Services. They emphasized their commitment to ensuring those responsible are held fully accountable.
“This case is bigger than a hate crime,” they said in response to widespread speculation about potential motive surrounding Sam being a transgendered person. “We charged the highest count available under New York State law because Sam deserves to have his story told in its entirety. To limit us to a hate crime would be an injustice to him.”
Sam Nordquist’s family laid him to rest just one day before the indictment was filed as they continue to grapple with the immense loss and the horrifying details of what he endured.
The seven defendants remain in custody as they await arraignment in Ontario County Court, expected to take place within the next week to ten days. Prosecutors anticipate that all will be tried together, barring any motions to separate the cases.
As the case moves forward, authorities continue to investigate whether additional individuals played a role in Nordquist’s captivity and death. Law enforcement is also analyzing digital evidence, including phones and computers, to uncover further details.
“This is only the beginning of the prosecution,” the DA’s office stated. “We will continue to seek justice for Sam, for his family, and for our community.”
The Ontario County District Attorney’s Office urges anyone with relevant information to come forward as the case unfolds.