New York State police have charged five people with the murder of a missing transgender man who was allegedly tortured for more than a month.
Sam Nordquist, a 24-year-old from Minnesota, was reported missing on February 9. He landed in New York in September and then lost contact with his loved ones, according to police.
In a televised news conference on Friday, police claimed the case was “one of the most horrific crimes” they had ever seen, adding that Nordquist had been exposed to “deeply disturbing” abuse for several months beginning in December.
All five suspects are in police custody and face second-degree murder charges.
Precious Arzuaga, Patrick Goodwin, Kyle Sage, Jennifer Quijano, and Emily Motyka are all suspected of being in the vicinity of Nordquist’s body when it was discovered in northern New York. Their ages range from 19 to 38.
It is unknown whether any of the five suspects had retained a lawyer. In the US legal system, they are deemed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Police said Nordquist’s body was discovered in a field in Benton, about 53 miles (85 kilometers) southeast of Rochester, on Thursday.
They claimed they searched a room approximately 20 kilometers distant from where the body was located and discovered that Nordquist had experienced “prolonged physical and psychological abuse at the hands of multiple individuals” since early December.
Police believe the victim resided in a motel with one of the accused and others. They did not provide many precise facts, stating that their investigation is ongoing.
However, Major Kevin Sucher of the New York State Police stated that the facts and circumstances of the case were “beyond depraved” and “by far the worst” homicide investigation his office had ever conducted.
“No human being should have to endure what Sam endured,” Major Sucher said.
When asked if the death is being treated as a hate crime, police said they haven’t ruled it out but that their investigation is ongoing.
Captain Kelly Swift of the New York State authorities stated authorities are currently investigating Nordquist’s relationship with the suspects, as well as the suspects’ relationship with one another.
Members of the LGBTQ community have expressed shock and sadness over the loss.
Rochester LGBTQ+ Together, a local advocacy group, was “angered and disgusted” to learn of the murder.
“The epidemic of violence against trans folx in this country is a direct consequence of the ignorance and hatred that permeate our society,” the group said.
In a statement, three Rochester city council members—Mary Lupien, Stanley Martin, and Kim Smith—stated that hostility toward transgender people is rising.
“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,” they wrote.
