5 New Yorkers Charged With Murder and 'Repeated Acts of Violence and Torture' Against Minnesota Trans Man

A trans man was put through "repeated acts of violence and torture" before eventually being murdered by multiple people in New York, according to authorities.

Remains discovered in upstate New York near Canandaigua are believed to be those of 24-year-old Sam Nordquist, reported The Guardian. Investigations into Nordquist's whereabouts leading up to his death revealed that he had been a victim of continuous physical abuse, said police.

Precious Arzuaga, 38; Jennifer Quijano, 30; Kyle Sage, 33; Patrick Goodwin, 30; and Emily Motyka, 19, have all been identified as suspects by law enforcement in Nordquist's murder. The perpetrators are believed to have taken Nordquist's body to the field to "conceal the crime."

"Our investigation has revealed a deeply disturbing pattern of abuse that ultimately resulted in Sam's tragic death," said police captain Kelly Swift.

"Based on evidence and witness statements, we have determined that Sam endured prolonged physical and psychological abuse at the hands of multiple individuals."

"Our investigation has confirmed that from early December 2024 to February 2025 Sam was subjected to repeated acts of violence and torture in a manner that ultimately led to his death," she continued.

Nordquist traveled to New York to meet his "online girlfriend," states a fundraising page launched to help his family. Originally from Oakdale, Minnesota, he bought a round-trip plane ticket to New York and was set to return home in October.

He was last seen in February, and his family had not heard from him since January.

"The last thing Sam said is, 'I love you, and I'll call you tomorrow.' Tomorrow came, and I never heard a word," said Nordquist's mother, Linda, telling The Guardian that he sounded "sounded sad, really sad" the last time she spoke to him.

"And Sam is an outgoing person," Linda Norquist said. "He had a heart of gold and wouldn't hurt anybody."

"We understand that the details of this case are deeply unsettling, and we want to assure the public that we are committed to seeking justice for Sam and his family," Swift said.

"In my 20-year law enforcement career this is one of the most horrific crimes I have ever investigated," she continued.

"Sam did not deserve this," Linda Norquist said. "Nobody deserves this type of torment that he had to endure."

"These people that did this to Sam are pure evil. They're not even human. We will get justice for you, Sam. Even if it takes the last breath out of me – you will have justice," she continued.