Warning: The story below contains graphic descriptions of torture that prosecutors say Nordquist was subjected to before his death.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — The suspects accused of torturing and murdering Sam Nordquist in Upstate New York are facing new charges, including first-degree murder and child endangerment.
Seven people have been arrested in the investigation. The suspects — Precious Arzuaga, Thomas Eavrs, Kimberly Sochia, Jennifer “Brooklyn” Quijano, Kyle Sage, Patrick Goodwin, and Emily Motyka — will be arraigned in Ontario County Court.
According to the DA’s Office, the seven suspects were charged with first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree kidnapping, second-degree conspiracy, first-degree aggravated sexual abuse, endangering the welfare of a child, and acting in concert with each other to bring about the death of Sam Nordquist.
Arzuaga is also facing a first-degree coercion charge. It was alleged she forced two children — 7 and 12 years old — to engage in this conduct.
Investigators confirmed Nordquist, 24, was subjected to violence starting around January 1, 2025, until he was killed on Feb. 2, 2025. The DA’s Office said Nordquist was physically and sexually assaulted, denied proper nutrition and hydration, and physically restrained, among other allegations.
“He was fed feces. He was forced to drink urine, and chew spit. They physically restrained him, they forced him to obey their commands, treating him like a dog. They covered his face with towels and shirts and fabric. They used duct tape, and they poured bleach on him,” said Kelly Wolford, Ontario County First Assistant District Attorney.
His body was found wrapped in a bag in a field in Yates County.
“What human being could do what happened to Sam? We’ll never make sense of this case, but I will tell you everyone standing in this room and every investigator, every child advocate, every member of the Department of Social Services, every member of law enforcement worked together to get to this point,” said Wolford.
If convicted, the suspects could face life in prison without the possibility of parole. Despite Nordquist being a transgender man, the DA’s office said there was no indication of a hate crime.
No arraignment date has been set.