New York State Police have found the body of Sam Nordquist, a missing man who authorities say was tortured for more than a month before being killed and left in a field.
Nordquist, 24, was reported missing on Feb. 9 after losing contact with loved ones. Police say he arrived in New York from Minnesota in September.
“This is by far the worst case of its kind we’ve seen,” said Major Kevin Sucher, commander of the state police troop overseeing the Finger Lakes region. “No human being should have to endure what Sam endured.”
Authorities said five people have been charged with second-degree murder in connection with Nordquist’s death: Precious Arzuaga, 38, and Patrick Goodwin, 30, of Canandaigua; Kyle Sage, 33, of Rochester; Jennifer Quijano, 30, of Geneva; and Emily Motyka, 19, of Lima.
The suspects were taken into custody Thursday after police searched a room at Patty’s Lodge motel in Canandaigua, where Nordquist was last known to have stayed.
Investigators say they are working to determine Nordquist’s relationship with the suspects, as well as the motive behind the crime. When asked if the case is being investigated as a hate crime, Capt. Kelly Swift of the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation said it remains under review.
Swift described the case as one of the most disturbing in her 20-year career, citing a “pattern of abuse” that led to Nordquist’s death.
The suspects remain in custody pending arraignment. It was unclear whether any had obtained legal representation.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to contact New York State Police.
