Five suspects charged with murder in brutal death of transgender man
- Sam Nordquist's body was found in a field in Benton, New York, after being missing for over a month.
- Authorities have charged five suspects with second-degree murder in his death, while GLAAD calls for hate crime considerations.
- This case highlights significant concerns about violence against the LGBTQ+ community and the need for justice.
In upstate New York, a tragic case involving the death of a transgender man named Sam Nordquist has garnered significant attention and raised concerns regarding hate crimes. Nordquist, aged 24, was reported missing on February 9, 2025, after his family last heard from him on January 1. His body was discovered in a field in Benton, Yates County, reportedly showing signs of severe abuse and torture that had lasted over a month. The discovery prompted an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and death. As the investigation unfolded, New York State Police arrested five suspects whose identities were revealed as Precious Arzuaga, Jennifer Quijano, Kyle Sage, Patrick Goodwin, and Emily Motyka. All five have been charged with second-degree murder in connection with Nordquist’s death. According to officials, the suspects were known to each other and identified as LGBTQ+ individuals. Despite this, there has been reluctance to classify the murder as a hate crime at this stage of the investigation. The National LGBTQ group, GLAAD, has publicly urged the prosecution to consider pursuing hate crime charges, emphasizing the need for justice and awareness surrounding the violence experienced by LGBTQ+ community members. They have expressed solidarity with Nordquist’s family and community, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that stories like Nordquist's do not fade into silence. In a statement, GLAAD's president and CEO remarked on the tragic loss, highlighting the pervasive issue of anti-LGBTQ+ violence. As the investigation continues, it has been noted that investigations into any possible hate motives are ongoing. Authorities have faced inquiries about the nature of the crimes and the backgrounds of the suspects. Governor Kathy Hochul has directed state police to provide resources and support in the ongoing investigation and to those affected by this brutal incident, underscoring the need for justice in cases of violence against marginalized groups.