The murder of 24-year-old Black trans man Sam Nordquist has sent shockwaves through the LGBTQ+ community, and now, the seven suspects accused of his brutal killing are claiming they’re not guilty.
Appearing in court on March 11, the defendants—Precious Arzuaga, Kyle Sage, Kimberly Sochia, Patrick Goodwin, Jennifer Quijano, Thomas Eaves, and Emily Motyka—pleaded not guilty to a horrific list of charges, including first-degree murder, conspiracy, kidnapping, and concealing a human corpse.
Nordquist, originally from Minnesota, was subjected to weeks of physical and psychological torture before his body was discovered in a field in upstate New York on February 13. The gruesome details of his abuse include reports of him being beaten with dog toys, belts, and canes, sexually assaulted, and forced to eat feces while held captive in a Canandaigua hotel room from New Year’s Day until February 2.
A Crime That Shook the LGBTQ+ Community
The case has ignited outrage among LGBTQ+ activists, who demand justice for Nordquist and highlight the disproportionate violence against trans people—especially trans people of color.
A police investigation revealed that Nordquist endured a prolonged period of unimaginable suffering before his death. Authorities stated there was clear evidence of sustained abuse, making this one of the most harrowing cases of transphobic violence in recent history.
Yet, New York State Police Major Kevin Sucher claimed there was “no indication” that Nordquist’s murder was a hate crime. LGBTQ+ advocates strongly disagree, arguing that trans people—particularly Black trans men and trans women of color—face targeted violence at alarming rates.
Courtroom Drama & Disturbing Details
Adding another layer of horror, prosecutors allege that two children, aged seven and twelve, were forced to participate in the abuse—a charge Arzuaga alone has denied. She also pleaded not guilty to aggravated sexual abuse and coercion charges, while a judge has barred her from contacting her children.
The pre-trial hearings are set for May 2, with the trial expected to start in September. If convicted, the defendants face life sentences.
Why This Matters
Nordquist’s murder is yet another stark reminder of the epidemic of violence against trans people in the U.S., particularly against Black trans men and trans women. Activists are calling for stronger legal protections, better law enforcement training, and harsher penalties for those who target trans individuals.
Justice for Sam Nordquist is long overdue. But will the system finally deliver?