TORTURED TO DEATH: Five Charged With Murder After Body of Sam Nordquist Found in Yates County

What began as a missing person investigation has taken a tragic turn as the New York State Police announced that the disappearance of Sam Nordquist is now being treated as a homicide. Five individuals have been arrested and charged with murder in connection to Nordquist’s death.

Nordquist, reported missing on February 9, 2025, had been the subject of an extensive search. According to State Police, investigators worked tirelessly over the past several days to follow leads and uncover the truth behind Nordquist’s disappearance. Unfortunately, their investigation revealed a "deeply disturbing pattern of abuse" that ultimately led to his death.

State Police Captain Kelly Swift stated this was the most horrific case she has ever witnessed in her twenty year law enforcement career.

Ontario County District Attorney James Ritts described the elements of the elements as “beyond depraved” and citing the case as the worst homicide investigation his office has ever been involved in.

The investigation culminated in the execution of a search warrant at Patty’s Lodge, Room 22, in the Town of Hopewell on February 13, 2025. Evidence uncovered at the scene confirmed suspicions of prolonged physical and psychological abuse inflicted on Nordquist from December 2024 to February 2025. Authorities believe the abuse resulted in his death. His body was discovered in a field off Payne Road in the Town of Benton, Yates County, where it had been transported in an apparent attempt to conceal the crime.

Five individuals have been arrested in connection with the case:

• Precious Nicole Arzuaga, 38, of Canandaigua

• Jennifer Adrienne Quijano, 30, of Geneva

• Kyle Robert Sage, 33, of Rochester

• Patrick Allen Goodwin, 30, of Canandaigua

• Emily Jean Motyka, 19, of Lima

Each of the five has been charged with murder with depraved indifference. Authorities have described the events leading to Nordquist’s death as a prolonged period of violence and torture. All five were taken to the Ontario County Jail, arraigned, and remanded to custody of the jail without bail.

“This remains an active and ongoing investigation,” said police. “In order to protect the integrity of the case, additional details cannot be released at this time. However, we strongly urge anyone with information—no matter how small it may seem—to come forward and assist in this investigation.”

State Police are appealing to the public for any information that could aid the investigation. Those with knowledge of the case are encouraged to come forward.

This developing story has left the community shaken, as law enforcement continues to piece together the timeline of events that led to Nordquist’s tragic death. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.