Trans man was tortured for a month in ‘beyond depraved’ killing

A trans man was tortured for a month before he died and his body ditched in a field, in what authorities called a ‘beyond depraved’ killing.

Sam Nordquist, a 24-year-old originally from Minnesota, was allegedly punched, kicked, beaten with sticks, dog toys, ropes, canes and belts before his death, according to court documents.

Five people have now been charged with murder in New York state, which officials called ‘by far the worst homicide investigation that our office has ever been a part of’.

Nordquist had been reported missing on 9 February after first arriving in New York in September.

Cops then investigated and discovered a ‘deeply disturbing pattern of abuse’ at Patty’s Lodge motel in Upstate New York.

Police say Nordquist had been staying there with one of the accused, Precious Arzuaga, and others.

New York State Police Captain Kelly Swift said Nordquist had suffered ‘physical and psychological abuse’ as well as ‘repeated acts of torture and violence’.

‘In my 20-year law enforcement career, this is one of the most horrific crimes I have ever investigated,’ Swift added.

Nordquist’s body was discovered in a field, 20 miles from the motel,on Thursday in the small town of Benton.

He had been subject to ‘ongoing physical abuse’ between December 2024 to February 2024.

Cops have not ruled out the possibility that Nordquist’s death was a hate crime, but the investigation is still ongoing. 

Nordquist set off to New York in September to meet an ‘online girlfriend,’ according to a verified GoFundMe set up by his family.

His friends and family had not heard from him since January 1, according to the fundraiser.

The five accused of second-degree murder are Precious Arzuaga, Patrick Goodwin, Kyle Sage, Jennifer Quijano, and Emily Motyka.

All five, whose ages range from 19 to 38, lived near where Nordquist’s body was eventually found.

The accused were arraigned and are now being held without bail at Ontario County Jail.

Major Kevin Sucher said: ‘This is by far the worst homicide investigation that our office has ever been a part of.’

‘No human being should have to endure what Sam endured.’

Nordquist’s death has sparked fury among members of the local LGBT community.

Rochester LGBTQ+ Together, a nearby advocacy group, said: ‘Sam Nordquist should still be alive. We are truly angered and disgusted to learn the details of Sam’s final days and immensely saddened to learn of his murder.

‘We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loved ones.

‘Make no mistake: The epidemic of violence against Trans folx in this country is a direct consequence of the ignorance and hatred that permeate our society.’

In a statement, three Rochester city council members – Mary Lupien, Stanley Martin and Kim Smith – said that hostility toward transgender people is rising.

They wrote: ‘We reaffirm our commitment to protecting Trans rights, ensuring safety for all and wish to make clear that you belong—fully, openly, and without fear.’

Transgender people over four times more likely to be victims of violent crime, according to a 2021 study by the University of California.

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