CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. (WHAM) — The ringleader in the torture and murder of Sam Nordquist received the maximum sentence Tuesday, exiting Ontario County Court as Nordquist supporters erupted in applause.
Precious Arzuaga pleaded guilty June 26 to murder and other charges in the death of Nordquist, 24, a transgender man from Oakdale, Minnesota, who traveled to the Finger Lakes region in September 2024 and stayed at Patty’s Lodge in Hopewell. Authorities said Nordquist was tortured from Jan. 1 to Feb. 2, 2025, before his body was found in a Yates County field Feb. 13, 2025.
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Judge Kristina Karle sentenced Arzuaga to life in prison without parole.
“He came here looking for love,” Karle said of Nordquist. “And sadly and tragically, he found you. And you represent everything opposite of Sam.”
Arzuaga and seven defendants were charged with murder in the case. Three others — Emily Motyka, Jennifer Quijano and Kyle Sage — also pleaded guilty in recent months. The other three defendants — Patrick Goodwin, Kimberly Sochia and Thomas Eaves — are awaiting separate trials.
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Nordquist’s mother and sister addressed Arzuaga in court.
“You knew exactly why Sam came here,” said Linda Nordquist, Sam’s mother. “He trusted you. He believed you cared for him.”
Arzuaga’s eyes remained on the floor as Linda continued.
“I refuse to let Sam’s story be defined by the unimaginable cruelty that took his life,” Linda said. “Before he was a victim, he was my son.”
Kayla Nordquist, Sam’s sister, said her brother’s death “shattered an entire family.”
“The person he trusted with his heart became the reason it stopped beating forever,” she said. “He should have had the chance to grow old.”
Arzuaga then addressed the court, apologizing to the Nordquist family.
“I can’t take back what happened, although I wish I could,” Arzuaga said. “What was stated previously by the family was true. Sam really did love me and my kids.”
“I’m willing to accept whatever punishment you are to give me,” she told Karle.
Quijano, who pleaded guilty July 15 to murder and other charges, was also sentenced Tuesday to life in prison without parole.
Assistant District Attorney Sara Van Strydonck said Quijano was in a relationship with Arzuaga and became jealous when Nordquist arrived in town.
“She made choices because she hated Sam,” Van Strydonck said.
Linda and Kayla Nordquist said Quijano chose to take part in the torture.
“Once Sam was here, you had continuous opportunities to save him,” Linda said. “You could have asked for help. You could have called the police.”
Quijano’s attorney read a statement on her behalf.
“I am sorry for what I did to Sam,” the statement said. “I am sorry for what I did not do for Sam.”
“I will spend the rest of my life in prison and I agree that is what I deserve.”