Life Without Parole
Two Defendants Sentenced to Life in Prison Without Parole for Torturing and Killing Sam Nordquist
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Key Points
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Investigators said the torture and killing occurred at a motel in Hopewell, just outside Canandaigua, between Jan. 1 and Feb. 2, 2025. Arzuaga had orchestrated the crime, according to the report, after Nordquist moved to New York to be with her.
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Nordquist’s sister, Kayla, said the guilty pleas left the family uncertain about what happened to her brother and told the court, “I don’t think Precious is sorry.”
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The court issued orders of protection for two individuals in addition to requiring Arzuaga and Quijano to register as sex offenders.
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Other people charged in the investigation include Kimberly Sochia, Thomas Eaves and Patrick Goodwin, beyond the defendants who have already pleaded guilty.
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During the hearing, Nordquist’s mother Linda described losing a child and recalled sharing ideas about hope with her son; the family’s statements lasted more than 10 minutes and moved people in the courtroom to tears.
A New York judge sentenced Precious Arzuaga and Jennifer "Brooklyn" Quijano to life in prison without parole for torturing and murdering Sam Nordquist, a 24-year-old transgender man from Minnesota KSTP. Both women pleaded guilty to murder and must register as sex offenders. Nordquist traveled to New York to be with Arzuaga but was reported missing in February 2025. His body was later found in a Yates County field.
During the sentencing hearing, Nordquist's mother Linda and sister Kayla delivered emotional victim-impact statements that moved the courtroom to tears Central Oregon Daily. Arzuaga apologized to the family, while Kayla expressed doubt about her sincerity, telling the court, "I don't think Precious is sorry." Two other defendants, Kyle Sage and Emily Motyka, have also pleaded guilty, with Sage scheduled for sentencing in December.
Torture and Murder in a Motel Room
Investigators determined that Arzuaga orchestrated the torture and killing at a motel in Hopewell, just outside Canandaigua, between January 1 and February 2, 2025 Bring Me The News. Nordquist had moved to New York to be with Arzuaga when the crime occurred. Arzuaga faced multiple charges beyond murder, including kidnapping, conspiracy, sexual abuse, coercion, concealing a corpse, and child endangerment. Quijano also received the maximum sentence available.
Family's Grief and Questions Left Unanswered
Nordquist's sister Kayla told the court that the guilty pleas left her family uncertain about what truly happened to her brother Central Oregon Daily. She expressed frustration that the family never heard a full account of the crime. Nordquist's mother Linda recalled sharing conversations with her son about hope and described the pain of losing a child. Their statements lasted more than 10 minutes and deeply affected everyone present in the courtroom.
Additional Defendants and Legal Protections
The court issued orders of protection for two individuals and required Arzuaga and Quijano to register as sex offenders KSTP. Beyond the four defendants who have pleaded guilty, authorities charged three other people: Kimberly Sochia, Thomas Eaves, and Patrick Goodwin. These additional charges reflect the scope of the investigation into Nordquist's death and the network of people involved in the crime.
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