Trans Man Tortured for More than a Month Found Dead in New York Field
New York State Police Charge Five with Murder
New York State Police charged five people on Friday with murder in the killing of a missing man who authorities said died following repeated acts of violence and torture for more than a month by multiple individuals who later discarded his body in a field. The victim, Sam Nordquist, a 24-year-old transgender man originally from Minnesota, was reported missing on February 9.
Background on the Case
Police said Nordquist arrived in New York in September and had lost contact with loved ones. Major Kevin Sucher, commander of the state police troop that includes the Finger Lakes region, described the facts and circumstances of the case as “beyond depraved” and “by far the worst” homicide investigation the office has ever been part of.
Police Investigation
During a televised news conference, Sucher said, “No human being should have to endure what Sam endured.” Police did not share many details of the case, noting it remained under active investigation. When asked if Nordquist’s torture and death were considered a hate crime, Capt. Kelly Swift, the New York State Police Troop E’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation, said police hadn’t ruled it out but stressed the investigation was continuing. Investigators also need to determine Nordquist’s relationship with the suspects as well as the suspects’ relationships with one another.
Arrests and Charges
Those arrested include Precious Arzuaga, 38, and Patrick Goodwin, 30, of Canandaigua, New York; Kyle Sage, 33, of Rochester, New York; Jennifer Quijano, 30, of Geneva, New York; and Emily Motyka, 19, of Lima, New York. All five were charged with second-degree murder after police on Thursday searched a room at the Patty’s Lodge motel in Canandaigua, the last place Nordquist was known to be staying. All five were being held in police custody, pending arraignment. It was unclear whether any had obtained an attorney.
Investigation’s Findings
The investigation has so far revealed a “deeply disturbing pattern of abuse” that ultimately resulted in Nordquist’s death, said Swift, who called it “one of the most horrific crimes” she has ever investigated in her 20-year law enforcement career.
Conclusion
The case is a tragic reminder of the importance of addressing hate crimes and the need to provide support and protection to the transgender community. It is crucial that those responsible for Nordquist’s death are held accountable and that justice is served.
FAQs
* What was the cause of Sam Nordquist’s death?
+ The cause of death has not been officially released, but it is believed to be related to the torture and abuse he suffered at the hands of multiple individuals.
* Is the case being investigated as a hate crime?
+ Police have not ruled out the possibility of a hate crime, but they are still investigating and gathering evidence to determine the motive behind the murder.
* What is the current status of the suspects?
+ The five suspects are being held in police custody, pending arraignment. It is unclear whether any have obtained an attorney.
