A deeply unsettling story has emerged about the brutal torture and murder of 24-year-old transgender man Sam Nordquist, whose death has shocked even the most seasoned investigators.
According to new details presented in a New York court on March 5, 2025, Sam endured weeks of unimaginable cruelty, including sexual abuse, forced consumption of feces, drinking urine, and chewing spit, before he was killed.
The case has left authorities horrified, with seven individuals now facing first-degree murder and kidnapping charges in connection to the crime.
Disturbingly, two children, aged seven and twelve, were allegedly forced to participate in the assault on Nordquist.
Children’s Involvement in the Heinous Acts
Assistant District Attorney Kelly Wolford expressed her deep concern over the involvement of the children in the assault, describing it as “deeply disturbing.”
She said, “To have two children have to participate in the beating of another human being, it’s heartbreaking and troubling.”
According to Wolford, Sam was subjected to intense physical and emotional abuse over the span of several weeks.
He was confined to a space, denied proper nutrition, and physically restrained.
He was also subjected to unspeakable horrors, including being forced to kneel and stand against a wall while enduring sexual assault and beatings.
The Seven Defendants and Their Roles in the Crime
The group of seven accused in Nordquist’s murder includes Precious Arzuaga, 38; Kyle Sage, 33; Jennifer Quijano, 30; Patrick Goodwin, 30; Kimberly Sochia, 29; Thomas G. Eaves, 21; and Emily Motyka, 19.
Arzuaga, who had reportedly been in a romantic relationship with Nordquist, allegedly played a leading role in the torture.
It is believed that Sam had traveled from his home in St. Paul, Minnesota, to New York to meet Arzuaga in September, only to fall into this horrific nightmare.
Police say that from January 1 to February 2, 2025, Nordquist was confined, beaten, sexually assaulted, and starved, with his tormentors carrying out these vile acts without mercy.
The abuse culminated in Nordquist’s death, investigators claim.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Arzuaga is also facing charges for coercing the two children to participate in the horrific acts.
Prosecutors will have to prove that all seven defendants actively participated in the crimes and did so out of enjoyment.
If the crimes had occurred before 2004, the death penalty would have been a possible consequence, but New York has since abolished it.
Discovery of Nordquist’s Body and Further Charges
After his death, Sam’s body was removed from the motel where he was held, wrapped in plastic bags, and discarded on the side of the road. His remains were found by police on February 12, 2025.
Six of the seven defendants have been charged with concealing a human corpse, and four have also been charged with aggravated sexual abuse.
Law Enforcement’s Shock at the Crime
New York State Police Captain Kelly Swift expressed his shock at the crime, stating, “In my 20-year law enforcement career, this is one of the most horrific crimes I have ever investigated.”
The ongoing investigation continues to reveal the disturbing details of Sam Nordquist’s tragic end.