ROCHESTER, N.Y. — It’s been just over a year since Sam Nordquist was killed. He’s the 24-year-old Minnesota man who authorities say was tortured for weeks at Patty’s Lodge in Canandaigua before he died on Feb. 1, 2025. It’s the first time his family has returned to New York since.
Locals gathered Tuesday at Nordquist’s memorial tree on Canandaigua Lake to greet his loved ones.
What You Need To Know
Sam Nordquist, 24, of Minnesota, died in the Finger Lakes region on Feb. 1 2025, after being tortured for weeks, according to authorities
Seven people are charged with first degree murder, among other charges
Nordquist’s family returned to New York for the first time since his death last year to meet the new prosecution team after Ontario County District Attorney Jason MacBride took office in December
Severance motions hearings are scheduled for next month to establish how many trials there may be
Ontario County DA’s office has said there will be more than one trial, each at least a month long, and are expected to start in September
“[It’s] overwhelming to see all the love and support,” his mother, Linda Nordquist, said. “And I appreciate it all. I mean, it’s really cold out here, especially being this close to the lake. [It’s] just thankful that Sam has all this love and support.”
It’s the first time she and her daughter, Kayla Nordquist, have seen the tree that community members planted in honor of Nordquist after his body was found last year.
The Nordquists braved the cold, and a 15-hour-roadtrip from Minnesota to the Finger Lakes region to meet the new prosecution team. Ontario County District Attorney Jason MacBride took office in December. Seven suspects have been charged with first-degree murder for Nordquist’s death. Nordquist’s mother plans to be in court every day once the trial begins, but she says she’s figuring out how to best prepare.
“I’m not, to be honest, I don’t know,” she said. “Once it gets closer, I don’t know how I’m going to feel. Every day it’s different. Still, [I] literally cry every single day. [I’m] always thinking Sam’s going to come through the door at home. And don’t.”
Severance hearings are scheduled for the end of April to determine how many trials may take place. The DA’s office has confirmed there will be more than one trial, and each is expected to last at least one month.