A New York judge has handed down life sentences without the possibility of parole to two women who admitted to the torture and killing of 24-year-old Sam Nordquist in 2025. Precious Arzuaga and Jennifer “Brooklyn” Quijano were both given the maximum penalty for their involvement in the incident, which concluded with Nordquist’s death on September 8, 2026.
Arzuaga, identified by prosecutors as the ringleader, entered guilty pleas in June to all 10 charges against her, including first-degree murder, kidnapping, aggravated sexual assault, coercion, and the concealment of a human corpse. Quijano faced similar charges, including murder, kidnapping, and conspiracy.
The investigation revealed that Arzuaga and Nordquist, a transgender man from Minnesota, connected on TikTok in the summer of 2024. Following the start of a romantic relationship, Nordquist traveled to the Canandaigua area of New York, believing he was embarking on a two-week vacation. Instead, between January 1 and February 1, 2025, he was held at Patty’s Lodge in Hopewell, New York, where he was subjected to fatal abuse by Arzuaga, Quijano, and five other defendants. His remains were later discovered in a field in Yates County.
During Arzuaga’s sentencing, Ontario County Judge Kristina Karle addressed the defendant, noting that Nordquist had arrived seeking love but encountered a tragic end. Linda Nordquist, the victim’s mother, delivered a victim impact statement describing her son as a gentle, trusting individual, and challenged Arzuaga’s attempt to control his narrative.
First Assistant District Attorney James Nobles emphasized that Arzuaga was central to the group’s actions, noting that her guilty plea spared the family from hearing the graphic details of the case, which included a text message sent by Arzuaga stating that Nordquist would never leave New York alive. When given the opportunity to speak, Arzuaga offered an apology to the family, though her remarks were met with audible reactions from those in the courtroom.
Judge Karle highlighted a history of domestic incident reports involving Arzuaga, suggesting a consistent pattern of behavior. The judge questioned why someone as kind as Nordquist was targeted, contrasting his character with that of the defendant.
Regarding Quijano’s role, Assistant District Attorney Sara Van Strydonck described the motive as rooted in jealousy. Evidence presented in court, including photos and videos, depicted Quijano and other defendants pinning Nordquist between chairs while berating him. Van Strydonck stated that Quijano frequently referred to Nordquist as a “two-legged dog” while forcing him into a cage.
Kayla Nordquist, the victim’s sister, spoke during the proceedings, expressing the profound grief of wondering if a single intervention by any of the defendants could have saved her brother’s life. In response, Quijano’s attorney, Neil Gunther, argued that his client was also a victim of Arzuaga’s long-term physical and mental abuse.
Quijano expressed remorse in a written statement read by her counsel, acknowledging her failure to intervene. However, Judge Karle rejected the notion that Quijano was merely a bystander, stating that she had the opportunity to be a savior but instead chose to participate in dehumanizing and torturous acts.
The legal proceedings for the remaining defendants are ongoing. Emily Motyka and Kyle Sage have pleaded guilty to their roles, with Sage’s sentencing set for December and Motyka’s pending. Three other individuals—Thomas Eaves, Kimberly Sochia, and Patrick Goodwin—are awaiting trial, which is scheduled to begin in January 2027. The report also notes that 1, 2025, along with five other defendants in room 22 of Patty’s Lodge in Hopewell, New York, before disposing of his body in a field in Yates County. The report also notes that precious, you may have believed you had the power to decide how my son’s story would end, but you did not,” she said. The report also notes that what was stated previously by the family was true. The report also notes that and I’m willing to accept whatever punishment you are to give me,” Arzuaga said as people in the courtroom audibly laughed at her apology, sam really did love me and my kids. The report also notes that the courtroom filled with applause as Arzuaga was taken out of the courtroom. The report also notes that jennifer Quijano named ‘the muscle’ behind the crime. The report also notes that to the point where Quijano called Arzuaga her “baby moms” and Arzuaga called her “baby dads.” Arzuaga, she said, was the one pulling the strings within the group, while Quijano was “the muscle behind it, van Strydonck said Arzuaga and Quijano were once romantically involved.