Just in case it's a paywall, here's the article:
Sam Nordquist suspects charged with first-degree murder, children allegedly forced into torture
Madison Scott
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Seven people were charged with first-degree murder in the death and torture of Sam Nordquist.
- Assistant District Attorney Kelly Wolford said that two children, a 7-year-old and 12-year-old, were forced to participate in the alleged torture.
A grand jury has indicted seven individuals on first-degree murder charges in connection with the torture and death of
Sam Nordquist.
The indictment includes 11 charges: first-degree murder, second-degree murder, two counts of first-degree kidnapping, second-degree conspiracy, first-degree aggravated sexual abuse, concealment of a human corpse, and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Assistant District Attorney Kelly Wolford noted the rarity of a first-degree murder charge in New York, emphasizing that it requires proving all seven defendants tortured
Nordquist and did so for their own enjoyment. Before the state abolished the death penalty, this case would have been eligible for capital punishment, she added.
Who has been charged in the death of Sam Nordquist?
- Precious Arzuaga, 38
- Jennifer Quijano, 30
- Kyle Sage, 33
- Patrick Goodwin, 30
- Emily Motyka, 19
- Kimberly L. Sochia, 29
- Thomas Eaves, 19
Wolford said that between Jan. 1 and Feb. 2, the seven individuals kidnapped Nordquist, 24, from Minnesota, and held him captive in Room 22 at Patty's Lodge in Canandaigua, preventing him from leaving. During that month, Nordquist was subjected to extreme abuse, including physical and sexual assault, forced consumption of feces and urine, and being made to obey commands.
Wolford said investigators believe Nordquist initially traveled to New York voluntarily, but by Jan. 1, he was no longer free to leave, marking the beginning of the alleged torture.
"They physically restrained him, treated him like a dog, covered his face with towels and fabric, used duct tape on him, and poured bleach on him," Wolford said.
Children forced to take part in torture, assistant district attorney says
Precious Arzuaga was also charged with two counts of first-degree coercion for allegedly forcing a seven-year-old and a 12-year-old to participate in the torture, Wolford said.
"We have a seven-year-old and a 12-year-old who are also victims," Wolford said. "They may have been forced to participate, but their lives are forever changed by what they saw and endured. We are here, not just for Sam, but to seek justice for those two children as well."
Investigators did not disclose Arzuaga’s relationship to the two children.
Was Sam Nordquist's killing a hate crime?
Wolford said the crime was not a hate crime.
"A hate crime would make this charge about Sam's gender or race, but this case is so much bigger," she said. "Sam deserves to have his story told in full. He was beaten, assaulted, sexually abused, starved, and held captive. We cannot reduce this to a hate crime charge alone."
New York Penal Law defines a "hate crime" as an offense committed, at least in part, due to the victim’s race, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected status.
Family's response
Nordquist's family, Wolford said, is experiencing a range of emotions but is relieved to see progress in the case.
"They've been through so much these past weeks," she said. "They're hoping this is the next step in their healing process."
The seven defendants are scheduled to appear in county court for arraignment.
— Madison Scott is a journalist with the Democrat and Chronicle who edited our Weld Street Project and also did reporting for it. She has an interest in how the system helps or doesn't help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@gannett.com.
