New York State Police: Minnesota man found dead after months of torture; 5 charged

Five people have been formally charged with second-degree murder after a Minnesota man was found dead in a field after he went missing, according to authorities in New York.

On Friday, officials with New York State Police announced the body of 24-year-old Sam Nordquist had been found, adding he had “endured prolonged physical and psychological abuse” and that they haven’t ruled out the potential of a hate crime.

According to police, Nordquist had arrived in New York state sometime in September and had been staying at Patty’s Lodge in Hopewell. A search warrant was executed on Feb. 13 as part of their investigation, where authorities say they found a “deeply disturbing pattern” of abuse.

Authorities say they believe Nordquist endured repeated acts of violence and torture from late December to sometime in February, adding his body had been moved in an attempt to “conceal crime.”

Nordquists’s body was found in Benton, located southeast of Rochester, New York. A map showing that location can be found below.

The five people who police identified as suspects, all from various cities of New York state, are:

• Patrick A. Goodwin, 30
• Jennifer A. Quijano, 30
• Kyle R. Sage, 33
• Emily Jean Motyka, 19
• Precious N. Arzuaga, 38

Citing their ongoing investigation, authorities couldn’t say how the suspects knew each other, or knew Sam.

All five were arraigned Friday morning and are being held without bail. Authorities add a preliminary hearing has been set, and that they expect grand jury action soon.

Jim Ritts, the Ontario County District Attorney, said “This is by far the worst homicide investigation that our office has ever been a part of. It is an ongoing investigation, so we are necessarily limited in the things that we can talk about. But no human being should have to endure what Sam endured.”

Ritts also said “the facts and the circumstances of this crime are beyond depraved.”

Authorities are asking anyone who may have information on the case to contact New York State Police by calling 585-398-4100, or by emailing crimetip@troopers.ny.gov.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS reporter Brittney Ermon will have more on this story during Friday’s evening newscasts. Check back for updates.