Updates Surrounding the Killing of Trans Man Sam Nordquist

The killing of black trans man Sam Nordquist continues to affect the queer community as details develop and seven people have been indicted in connection to his death. Police found the 24-year-old’s remains in Yates County, New York 0n February 13 after his case was deemed a missing person in the state. His remains indicated he experienced months of torture before his death.

Before his death, Nordquist was a loving person who worked in a group home for vulnerable adults. “This is so devastating,” his mother Linda Nordquist says. “Sam did not deserve this. Nobody deserves this type of torment that he had to endure.”

Nordquist left for New York on Sept. 28, 2024, when he told his mother he was going to visit his online girlfriend, 38-year-old Precious Arzuaga. According to investigators, Nordquist and Arzuaga stayed at a motel in Ontario County, along with others under investigation. He told his mother he would contact her and that he would be back within two weeks. “He sounded so sad, really sad,” Linda Nordquist says about the last time they spoke. “And Sam is an outgoing person.”

According to Linda, Ontario County Department of Social Services contacted her in December, saying her son was trying to contact her to escape. The department nor the police helped Nordquist when this contact was made. Furthermore, Nordquist’s family claim the quested two separate wellness checks, neither of which were performed. Local and state police deny these claims.

When Nordquist’s remains were found, evidence showed that he experienced months of physical abuse between December 2024 to February 2025. In an indictment released March 5, he was kicked, punched, sexually assaulted, and forced to consume human waste. Police have appealed to the Monroe County Medical Examiner to determine a cause of death.

As of March 5, Arzuaga and six others have been indicted in relation to Nordquist’s murder. All seven defendants face counts of first degree murder, second degree murder, two counts of kidnapping, and conspiracy. Four defendants are also indicted on aggravated sexual abuse, including Arzuaga. The seven individuals also face child endangerment charges as the indictment alleges they forced two young children to participate in torturing Nordquist.

None of the defendants have been charged with hate crimes despite advocates’ efforts. State officials say that because the alleged murderers were known to Nordquist and identified as LGBTQ+ people, it seems unsubstantiated that he was targeted for gender identity or race. Additionally, under New York State law, first degree murder charges carry the heaviest penalties, Ontario Assistant District Attorney Kelly Wolford tells NBC.

Sam Nordquist was laid to rest on March 4, 2025 in his home state of Minnesota.

Photo courtesy of Social Media