New York State Police have charged five individuals with second-degree murder in connection with the death of a Minnesota man who went missing and was allegedly tortured and subjected to repeated acts of violence for over a month.
Several others are said to have dumped his body in a field.
On February 9, Sam Nordquist, a transgender guy of 24 years old who was born in Minnesota, was reported missing.
According to his family, he visited his girlfriend in New York towards the end of last year.
The facts and circumstances of the crime were described as “beyond depraved” and “by far the worst” homicide investigation the office has ever participated in, according to Major Kevin Sucher, commander of the state police troop that covers the Finger Lakes region.
“No human being should have to endure what Sam endured,” he declared at a press conference with reporters.
The criminal documents state that Norquist was repeatedly beaten for extended periods of time “by punching, kicking and striking her with numerous objects…resulting in her death.”
There is “no indication” at this time that Norquist’s murder was a hate crime, according to a joint statement released by the New York State Police and the Ontario County District Attorney on Sunday.
“To help alleviate the understandable concern his murder could be a hate crime, we are disclosing that Sam and his assailants were known to each other, identified as LGBTQ+, and at least one of the defendants lived with Sam in the time period leading up to the instant offense,” the agencies stated.
Among those detained are Emily Motyka, 19, of Lima, New York; Jennifer Quijano, 30, of Geneva, New York; Kyle Sage, 33, of Rochester, New York; and Precious Arzuaga, 38, and Patrick Goodwin, 30 of Canandaigua, New York.
Police searched Nordquist’s last known room at the Patty’s Lodge motel in Canandaigua on Thursday, leading to charges against all five.
In police custody, all five were awaiting arraignment. It was unclear if anyone had hired a lawyer.
The LGBTQ+ community in Minnesota is in shock over his passing.
“Just knowing the violence and pure hatred that had to be bestowed upon him, it’s sad,” Roxanne Anderson, a trans advocate stated. “I want people to remember we cannot succumb to the fear. We must unite.”
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New York officials stated that they are dedicated to creating a community that is safe for all.
“We share the community’s shock at such a heinous act of violence, and understand the fear circulating amongst members of the LGBTQ+ community,” the Ontario County District Attorney and New York State Police stated.
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