Seven people who ‘tortured trans man to death’ appear in court and enter same plea

admin 4 days ago New York State Comments Off on Seven people who ‘tortured trans man to death’ appear in court and enter same plea 5 Views

FILE - This undated photo provided by the New York State Police shows Sam Nordquist. Nordquist, a 24-year-old missing transgender man, died after enduring prolonged physical and psychological abuse over a month by multiple individuals who later discarded his body in a field, in Canandaigua, N.Y., according to New York State Police. (New York State Police via AP)
Sam Nordquist, a 24-year-old missing transgender man, died after enduring prolonged physical and psychological abuse over a month by multiple individuals who later discarded his body in a field in Canandaigua, New York (Credits: AP)

Seven people accused of torturing a Black transgender man for more than a month and killing him appeared in court and have all pleaded not guilty.

The suspects were arraigned on Tuesday, a few weeks after the body of Sam Nordquist, 24, was discovered in a field in the upstate New York town of Benton.

Nordquist’s ex-partner, Precious Arzuaga, 38, and six others allegedly beat him with dog toys, ropes, belts and canes, sexually assaulted and starved him and forced him to eat feces as he was held captive in a hotel room from January 1 to February 2.

All the defendants pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, second-degree murder, conspiracy, kidnapping, endangering the welfare of a child and concealing a human corpse.

Precious Arzuaga *UPDATE* February 21, 2025 On February 20, 2025, at approximately 5:45 p.m., the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Canandaigua arrested 29-year-old Kimberly L. Sochia, of Canandaigua, NY, for Murder in the Second Degree ? Depraved Indifference and at approximately 10:00 p.m., arrested 21-year-old Thomas G. Eaves, of Geneva NY, for the same charge. Both arrests are connected to the ongoing investigation into the death of Sam Nordquist. Sochia and Eaves were processed at SP Canandaigua and subsequently remanded to Ontario County Jail pending centralized arraignment. Suspect Thomas G. Eaves Suspect Kimberly L. Sochia ??????????????????????????? *UPDATE* February 14, 2025 The New York State Police in Canandaigua, in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, have arrested and charged five individuals in connection with the disappearance and murder of Sam Nordquist, age 24, originally from Minnesota. On February 9, 2025, New York State Police at SP Canandaigua initiated a missing person investigation after receiving a welfare check request from Nordquist?s family. Investigators determined that Nordquist had been residing at Patty?s Lodge in Hopewell, NY, with Precious Arzuaga, 38, and others. Following extensive investigative efforts, law enforcement officials uncovered evidence indicating that Nordquist was subjected to ongoing physical abuse between December 2024 and February 2025. On February 13, 2025, human remains believed to be Nordquist?s were discovered in a field off Payne Road in Yates County. After consultation with the Ontario County District Attorney?s Office, the following individuals have been arrested and charged with Murder in the Second Degree ? Depraved Indifference: Precious Arzuaga, 38, of Geneva, NY Jennifer A. Quijano, 30, of Geneva, NY Kyle Sage, 33, of Hopewell, NY Patrick A. Goodwin, 30, of Rochester, NY Emily Motyka, 19, of Rochester, NY Investigators executed multiple search warrants at Patty?s Lodge and other locations tied to the case. Evidence, including electronic devices, clothing, and personal effects, has been secured for further forensic analysis. The investigation indicated that the victim was subjected to prolonged physical and psychological abuse before being transported to Yates County, where the remains were disposed of. The Monroe County Medical Examiner?s Office will conduct an autopsy to confirm the cause and manner of death. This is an active and ongoing investigation. All five suspects have been arraigned and remanded to the Ontario County Jail. The New York State Police were assisted by the Ontario County Sheriff?s Office, the City of Geneva Police Department, the Yates County Coroner?s Office, and the Monroe County Medical Examiner?s Office for their assistance in this case.
Headshot of defendant Precious Arzuaga (Picture: New York State Police)
Emily Motyka *UPDATE* February 21, 2025 On February 20, 2025, at approximately 5:45 p.m., the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Canandaigua arrested 29-year-old Kimberly L. Sochia, of Canandaigua, NY, for Murder in the Second Degree ? Depraved Indifference and at approximately 10:00 p.m., arrested 21-year-old Thomas G. Eaves, of Geneva NY, for the same charge. Both arrests are connected to the ongoing investigation into the death of Sam Nordquist. Sochia and Eaves were processed at SP Canandaigua and subsequently remanded to Ontario County Jail pending centralized arraignment. Suspect Thomas G. Eaves Suspect Kimberly L. Sochia ??????????????????????????? *UPDATE* February 14, 2025 The New York State Police in Canandaigua, in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, have arrested and charged five individuals in connection with the disappearance and murder of Sam Nordquist, age 24, originally from Minnesota. On February 9, 2025, New York State Police at SP Canandaigua initiated a missing person investigation after receiving a welfare check request from Nordquist?s family. Investigators determined that Nordquist had been residing at Patty?s Lodge in Hopewell, NY, with Precious Arzuaga, 38, and others. Following extensive investigative efforts, law enforcement officials uncovered evidence indicating that Nordquist was subjected to ongoing physical abuse between December 2024 and February 2025. On February 13, 2025, human remains believed to be Nordquist?s were discovered in a field off Payne Road in Yates County. After consultation with the Ontario County District Attorney?s Office, the following individuals have been arrested and charged with Murder in the Second Degree ? Depraved Indifference: Precious Arzuaga, 38, of Geneva, NY Jennifer A. Quijano, 30, of Geneva, NY Kyle Sage, 33, of Hopewell, NY Patrick A. Goodwin, 30, of Rochester, NY Emily Motyka, 19, of Rochester, NY Investigators executed multiple search warrants at Patty?s Lodge and other locations tied to the case. Evidence, including electronic devices, clothing, and personal effects, has been secured for further forensic analysis. The investigation indicated that the victim was subjected to prolonged physical and psychological abuse before being transported to Yates County, where the remains were disposed of. The Monroe County Medical Examiner?s Office will conduct an autopsy to confirm the cause and manner of death. This is an active and ongoing investigation. All five suspects have been arraigned and remanded to the Ontario County Jail. The New York State Police were assisted by the Ontario County Sheriff?s Office, the City of Geneva Police Department, the Yates County Coroner?s Office, and the Monroe County Medical Examiner?s Office for their assistance in this case.
Mugshot of defendant Emily Motyka (Picture: New York State Police)

Additionally, Arzuaga and three others pleaded not guilty to aggravated sexual abuse charges. Arzuaga alone pleaded not guilty to coercion.

Photos taken by the Rochester Democrat And Chronicle showed Arzuaga at Ontario County Court wearing an orange jail suit and a half-up hairdo. She looked down and appeared downcast in one of the images.

An indictment unsealed on Wednesday stated that the suspects kicked and punched Nordquist, inserted objects in his anus, and forced him to consume urine and tobacco juice.

Join Metro’s LGBTQ+ community on WhatsApp

With thousands of members from all over the world, our vibrant LGBTQ+ WhatsApp channel is a hub for all the latest news and important issues that face the LGBTQ+ community.

Simply click on this link, select ‘Join Chat’ and you’re in! Don’t forget to turn on notifications!

Two kids aged 7 and 12 who were allegedly coerced to take part in his torture have been confirmed to be Arzuaga’s children. Judge Kristina Karle issued an order of protection to prohibit contact with the two children.

Jennifer A. Quijano *UPDATE* February 21, 2025 On February 20, 2025, at approximately 5:45 p.m., the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Canandaigua arrested 29-year-old Kimberly L. Sochia, of Canandaigua, NY, for Murder in the Second Degree ? Depraved Indifference and at approximately 10:00 p.m., arrested 21-year-old Thomas G. Eaves, of Geneva NY, for the same charge. Both arrests are connected to the ongoing investigation into the death of Sam Nordquist. Sochia and Eaves were processed at SP Canandaigua and subsequently remanded to Ontario County Jail pending centralized arraignment. Suspect Thomas G. Eaves Suspect Kimberly L. Sochia ??????????????????????????? *UPDATE* February 14, 2025 The New York State Police in Canandaigua, in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, have arrested and charged five individuals in connection with the disappearance and murder of Sam Nordquist, age 24, originally from Minnesota. On February 9, 2025, New York State Police at SP Canandaigua initiated a missing person investigation after receiving a welfare check request from Nordquist?s family. Investigators determined that Nordquist had been residing at Patty?s Lodge in Hopewell, NY, with Precious Arzuaga, 38, and others. Following extensive investigative efforts, law enforcement officials uncovered evidence indicating that Nordquist was subjected to ongoing physical abuse between December 2024 and February 2025. On February 13, 2025, human remains believed to be Nordquist?s were discovered in a field off Payne Road in Yates County. After consultation with the Ontario County District Attorney?s Office, the following individuals have been arrested and charged with Murder in the Second Degree ? Depraved Indifference: Precious Arzuaga, 38, of Geneva, NY Jennifer A. Quijano, 30, of Geneva, NY Kyle Sage, 33, of Hopewell, NY Patrick A. Goodwin, 30, of Rochester, NY Emily Motyka, 19, of Rochester, NY Investigators executed multiple search warrants at Patty?s Lodge and other locations tied to the case. Evidence, including electronic devices, clothing, and personal effects, has been secured for further forensic analysis. The investigation indicated that the victim was subjected to prolonged physical and psychological abuse before being transported to Yates County, where the remains were disposed of. The Monroe County Medical Examiner?s Office will conduct an autopsy to confirm the cause and manner of death. This is an active and ongoing investigation. All five suspects have been arraigned and remanded to the Ontario County Jail. The New York State Police were assisted by the Ontario County Sheriff?s Office, the City of Geneva Police Department, the Yates County Coroner?s Office, and the Monroe County Medical Examiner?s Office for their assistance in this case.
Mugshot of defendant Jennifer Quijano (Picture: New York State Police)
Patrick A Goodwin *UPDATE* February 21, 2025 On February 20, 2025, at approximately 5:45 p.m., the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Canandaigua arrested 29-year-old Kimberly L. Sochia, of Canandaigua, NY, for Murder in the Second Degree ? Depraved Indifference and at approximately 10:00 p.m., arrested 21-year-old Thomas G. Eaves, of Geneva NY, for the same charge. Both arrests are connected to the ongoing investigation into the death of Sam Nordquist. Sochia and Eaves were processed at SP Canandaigua and subsequently remanded to Ontario County Jail pending centralized arraignment. Suspect Thomas G. Eaves Suspect Kimberly L. Sochia ??????????????????????????? *UPDATE* February 14, 2025 The New York State Police in Canandaigua, in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, have arrested and charged five individuals in connection with the disappearance and murder of Sam Nordquist, age 24, originally from Minnesota. On February 9, 2025, New York State Police at SP Canandaigua initiated a missing person investigation after receiving a welfare check request from Nordquist?s family. Investigators determined that Nordquist had been residing at Patty?s Lodge in Hopewell, NY, with Precious Arzuaga, 38, and others. Following extensive investigative efforts, law enforcement officials uncovered evidence indicating that Nordquist was subjected to ongoing physical abuse between December 2024 and February 2025. On February 13, 2025, human remains believed to be Nordquist?s were discovered in a field off Payne Road in Yates County. After consultation with the Ontario County District Attorney?s Office, the following individuals have been arrested and charged with Murder in the Second Degree ? Depraved Indifference: Precious Arzuaga, 38, of Geneva, NY Jennifer A. Quijano, 30, of Geneva, NY Kyle Sage, 33, of Hopewell, NY Patrick A. Goodwin, 30, of Rochester, NY Emily Motyka, 19, of Rochester, NY Investigators executed multiple search warrants at Patty?s Lodge and other locations tied to the case. Evidence, including electronic devices, clothing, and personal effects, has been secured for further forensic analysis. The investigation indicated that the victim was subjected to prolonged physical and psychological abuse before being transported to Yates County, where the remains were disposed of. The Monroe County Medical Examiner?s Office will conduct an autopsy to confirm the cause and manner of death. This is an active and ongoing investigation. All five suspects have been arraigned and remanded to the Ontario County Jail. The New York State Police were assisted by the Ontario County Sheriff?s Office, the City of Geneva Police Department, the Yates County Coroner?s Office, and the Monroe County Medical Examiner?s Office for their assistance in this case.
Mugshot of defendantPatrick Goodwin (Picture: New York State Police)
Kimberly L. Sochia *UPDATE* February 21, 2025 On February 20, 2025, at approximately 5:45 p.m., the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Canandaigua arrested 29-year-old Kimberly L. Sochia, of Canandaigua, NY, for Murder in the Second Degree ? Depraved Indifference and at approximately 10:00 p.m., arrested 21-year-old Thomas G. Eaves, of Geneva NY, for the same charge. Both arrests are connected to the ongoing investigation into the death of Sam Nordquist. Sochia and Eaves were processed at SP Canandaigua and subsequently remanded to Ontario County Jail pending centralized arraignment. Suspect Thomas G. Eaves Suspect Kimberly L. Sochia ??????????????????????????? *UPDATE* February 14, 2025 The New York State Police in Canandaigua, in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, have arrested and charged five individuals in connection with the disappearance and murder of Sam Nordquist, age 24, originally from Minnesota. On February 9, 2025, New York State Police at SP Canandaigua initiated a missing person investigation after receiving a welfare check request from Nordquist?s family. Investigators determined that Nordquist had been residing at Patty?s Lodge in Hopewell, NY, with Precious Arzuaga, 38, and others. Following extensive investigative efforts, law enforcement officials uncovered evidence indicating that Nordquist was subjected to ongoing physical abuse between December 2024 and February 2025. On February 13, 2025, human remains believed to be Nordquist?s were discovered in a field off Payne Road in Yates County. After consultation with the Ontario County District Attorney?s Office, the following individuals have been arrested and charged with Murder in the Second Degree ? Depraved Indifference: Precious Arzuaga, 38, of Geneva, NY Jennifer A. Quijano, 30, of Geneva, NY Kyle Sage, 33, of Hopewell, NY Patrick A. Goodwin, 30, of Rochester, NY Emily Motyka, 19, of Rochester, NY Investigators executed multiple search warrants at Patty?s Lodge and other locations tied to the case. Evidence, including electronic devices, clothing, and personal effects, has been secured for further forensic analysis. The investigation indicated that the victim was subjected to prolonged physical and psychological abuse before being transported to Yates County, where the remains were disposed of. The Monroe County Medical Examiner?s Office will conduct an autopsy to confirm the cause and manner of death. This is an active and ongoing investigation. All five suspects have been arraigned and remanded to the Ontario County Jail. The New York State Police were assisted by the Ontario County Sheriff?s Office, the City of Geneva Police Department, the Yates County Coroner?s Office, and the Monroe County Medical Examiner?s Office for their assistance in this case.
Mugshot of defendant Kimberly Sochia (Picture: New York State Police)

Beside Arzuaga, the defendants are Kyle Sage, 33; Patrick Goodwin, 30; Jennifer Quijano, 30; Kimberly L Sochia, 29; Thomas Eaves, 19; and Emily Motyka, 19.

Nordquist, from Minnesota, arrived at Patty’s Lodge in New York in September and stayed there with the seven suspects.

His killing angered LGBTQ advocates and made national headlines.

Thomas G. Eaves *UPDATE* February 21, 2025 On February 20, 2025, at approximately 5:45 p.m., the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Canandaigua arrested 29-year-old Kimberly L. Sochia, of Canandaigua, NY, for Murder in the Second Degree ? Depraved Indifference and at approximately 10:00 p.m., arrested 21-year-old Thomas G. Eaves, of Geneva NY, for the same charge. Both arrests are connected to the ongoing investigation into the death of Sam Nordquist. Sochia and Eaves were processed at SP Canandaigua and subsequently remanded to Ontario County Jail pending centralized arraignment. Suspect Thomas G. Eaves Suspect Kimberly L. Sochia ??????????????????????????? *UPDATE* February 14, 2025 The New York State Police in Canandaigua, in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, have arrested and charged five individuals in connection with the disappearance and murder of Sam Nordquist, age 24, originally from Minnesota. On February 9, 2025, New York State Police at SP Canandaigua initiated a missing person investigation after receiving a welfare check request from Nordquist?s family. Investigators determined that Nordquist had been residing at Patty?s Lodge in Hopewell, NY, with Precious Arzuaga, 38, and others. Following extensive investigative efforts, law enforcement officials uncovered evidence indicating that Nordquist was subjected to ongoing physical abuse between December 2024 and February 2025. On February 13, 2025, human remains believed to be Nordquist?s were discovered in a field off Payne Road in Yates County. After consultation with the Ontario County District Attorney?s Office, the following individuals have been arrested and charged with Murder in the Second Degree ? Depraved Indifference: Precious Arzuaga, 38, of Geneva, NY Jennifer A. Quijano, 30, of Geneva, NY Kyle Sage, 33, of Hopewell, NY Patrick A. Goodwin, 30, of Rochester, NY Emily Motyka, 19, of Rochester, NY Investigators executed multiple search warrants at Patty?s Lodge and other locations tied to the case. Evidence, including electronic devices, clothing, and personal effects, has been secured for further forensic analysis. The investigation indicated that the victim was subjected to prolonged physical and psychological abuse before being transported to Yates County, where the remains were disposed of. The Monroe County Medical Examiner?s Office will conduct an autopsy to confirm the cause and manner of death. This is an active and ongoing investigation. All five suspects have been arraigned and remanded to the Ontario County Jail. The New York State Police were assisted by the Ontario County Sheriff?s Office, the City of Geneva Police Department, the Yates County Coroner?s Office, and the Monroe County Medical Examiner?s Office for their assistance in this case.
Mugshot of defendant Thomas Eaves (Picture: New York State Police)
Kyle Sage *UPDATE* February 21, 2025 On February 20, 2025, at approximately 5:45 p.m., the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Canandaigua arrested 29-year-old Kimberly L. Sochia, of Canandaigua, NY, for Murder in the Second Degree ? Depraved Indifference and at approximately 10:00 p.m., arrested 21-year-old Thomas G. Eaves, of Geneva NY, for the same charge. Both arrests are connected to the ongoing investigation into the death of Sam Nordquist. Sochia and Eaves were processed at SP Canandaigua and subsequently remanded to Ontario County Jail pending centralized arraignment. Suspect Thomas G. Eaves Suspect Kimberly L. Sochia ??????????????????????????? *UPDATE* February 14, 2025 The New York State Police in Canandaigua, in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, have arrested and charged five individuals in connection with the disappearance and murder of Sam Nordquist, age 24, originally from Minnesota. On February 9, 2025, New York State Police at SP Canandaigua initiated a missing person investigation after receiving a welfare check request from Nordquist?s family. Investigators determined that Nordquist had been residing at Patty?s Lodge in Hopewell, NY, with Precious Arzuaga, 38, and others. Following extensive investigative efforts, law enforcement officials uncovered evidence indicating that Nordquist was subjected to ongoing physical abuse between December 2024 and February 2025. On February 13, 2025, human remains believed to be Nordquist?s were discovered in a field off Payne Road in Yates County. After consultation with the Ontario County District Attorney?s Office, the following individuals have been arrested and charged with Murder in the Second Degree ? Depraved Indifference: Precious Arzuaga, 38, of Geneva, NY Jennifer A. Quijano, 30, of Geneva, NY Kyle Sage, 33, of Hopewell, NY Patrick A. Goodwin, 30, of Rochester, NY Emily Motyka, 19, of Rochester, NY Investigators executed multiple search warrants at Patty?s Lodge and other locations tied to the case. Evidence, including electronic devices, clothing, and personal effects, has been secured for further forensic analysis. The investigation indicated that the victim was subjected to prolonged physical and psychological abuse before being transported to Yates County, where the remains were disposed of. The Monroe County Medical Examiner?s Office will conduct an autopsy to confirm the cause and manner of death. This is an active and ongoing investigation. All five suspects have been arraigned and remanded to the Ontario County Jail. The New York State Police were assisted by the Ontario County Sheriff?s Office, the City of Geneva Police Department, the Yates County Coroner?s Office, and the Monroe County Medical Examiner?s Office for their assistance in this case.
Mugshot of defendant Kyle Sage (Picture: New York State Police)

‘We’ll never know the answer why, because what human being could do what happened to Sam?’ said Ontario County Assistant District Attorney Kelly Wolford last week.

‘We’ll never make sense of this case.’

The pre-trial hearings for the seven defendants have been tentatively scheduled for May 2, and the trial could start in September.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].

For more stories like this, check our news page.

About admin

Powered by WordPress | Designed by TieLabs
© Copyright 2025, All Rights Reserved