Two Women Sentenced to Life Without Parole for Torture and Murder of Sam Nordquist

Key points

• Precious Arzuaga, 40, received life without parole for first-degree murder, kidnapping, aggravated sexual abuse, and other charges after pleading guilty in June 2026.
• Jennifer Quijano, 32, was sentenced to life without parole for first-degree murder, along with 25 years for kidnapping and other concurrent sentences for conspiracy and sexual abuse.
• Judge Kristina Karle characterized Arzuaga as the 'ringleader' and Quijano as 'the muscle,' noting Quijano’s active participation in beatings and the disposal of the body.
• Prosecutors stated that Arzuaga and Quijano coerced Arzuaga’s two children, aged 7 and 12, into participating in the abuse.
• Sam Nordquist’s body was found in a field in Benton, New York, on February 12, 2025, after he was tortured at Patty’s Lodge in Hopewell from January 1 to February 1, 2025.
• Kyle Sage and Emily Motyka have pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and kidnapping; Sage’s sentencing is set for December 2, 2026.

Background

Sam Nordquist, a transgender man from Minnesota, traveled to New York in September 2024 to meet Arzuaga, whom he had met online. His family filed a missing persons report on February 9, 2025, after losing contact with him in January 2025. This case follows earlier coverage of Arzuaga’s guilty plea and sentencing in September 2026, which highlighted the family’s grief and the legal proceedings in Ontario County.

How outlets are covering it

NBC News emphasized the emotional impact on Nordquist’s family, particularly his sister Kayla and mother Linda, who addressed the court during sentencing. ABC News detailed the specific charges and sentences, noting Arzuaga’s guilty plea to 11 counts and Quijano’s multiple concurrent sentences. USA Today focused on the dynamics between Arzuaga and Quijano, highlighting Arzuaga’s history of domestic incidents and Quijano’s defense that she was also a victim of Arzuaga’s abuse. All sources agree on the severity of the sentences and the roles of the two women, but differ in emphasis: NBC on family trauma, ABC on legal specifics, and USA Today on interpersonal dynamics and defense arguments.

Why it matters

The sentencing of Arzuaga and Quijano to life without parole marks a significant legal outcome in a high-profile case involving the torture and murder of a transgender man. It underscores the severity of hate crimes and the legal system’s response to prolonged abuse and murder. The case also highlights the involvement of multiple defendants and the ongoing legal processes for co-conspirators, drawing attention to issues of justice and accountability in cases of gender-based violence.

What to watch

Kyle Sage’s sentencing is scheduled for December 2, 2026, while Emily Motyka’s sentencing date has not yet been set. Trials for Patrick Goodwin, Kimberly Sochia, and Thomas Eaves are expected to begin in January 2027. The legal proceedings for the remaining five suspects will continue to shape the full accountability for Nordquist’s murder.