Plus special access to select articles and other premium content with your account – free of charge.
By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News’ Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive.
Please enter a valid email address.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul fueled hate crime speculation in the slaying of a 24-year-old transgender victim, as the district attorney’s office and state police said there was “no indication” of such a motive.
“I have directed State Police to provide any and all support and resources to the District Attorney as they continue their investigation, including into whether this was a hate crime,” Hochul wrote in a Sunday statement.
Advertisement
Hochul’s post came the same day as a joint statement from the New York State Police and the Ontario County District Attorney. New York State Police said it found the remains of 24-year-old Sam Nordquist on Friday in Yates County.
“At this time we have no indication that Sam’s murder was a hate crime,” the Ontario County’s District Attorney’s office and the New York State Police said Sunday in a joint release. “To help alleviate the understandable concern his murder could be a hate crime, we are disclosing that Sam and his assailants were known to each other, identified as LGBTQ+, and at least one of the defendants lived with Sam in the time period leading up to the instant offense.”
TEXAS UNIVERSITY ON EDGE AS POLICE HUNT CAMPUS SEXUAL ASSAULT SUSPECT WHO WAS ARRESTED, RELEASED
Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks about gun violence in the United States during the Clinton Global Initiative on Sept. 23, 2024, in New York City.(Getty Images)
Criminal histories
Authorities said Precious Arzuaga, 38; Jennifer A. Quijano, 30; Kyle Sage, 33; Patrick A. Goodwin, 30; and Emily Motyka, 19, had all been arrested and charged with second-degree murder with depraved indifference, the New York State Police said.
Advertisement
Records, reviewed by Fox News Digital, revealed that three of the five suspects had criminal histories – spanning from child sex crimes to theft.
Patrick A Goodwin, Emily Motyka and Jennifer A. Quijano were arrested in connection to the February murder of 24-year-old Sam Nordquist.(New York State Police)
Arzuaga has four misdemeanor convictions, including petty larceny, criminal trespass and the sale of an imitation control substance.
Sage was convicted of larceny and disseminating indecent material to a minor. New York state records revealed that he was on parole when arrested after being released from prison on May 30, 2024.
Goodwin was convicted of child sex crimes in 2015, and is a registered Level 3 sex offender, records show. Goodwin was convicted by the Ontario County Sheriffs Office for Criminal Sexual Act-1st Degree, with the victim being under 11 years old.
Advertisement
He was sent to prison in 2015 for 10.5 years. According to New York State records, Goodwin was released and placed on parole on June 6, 2023.
A search of the state corrections system did not reveal any information regarding Arzuago, Quijano and Motyka.
Precious Arzuaga and Kyle Sage were arrested in connection to the February murder of 24-year-old Sam Nordquist.(New York State Police)
A hate crime in New York is defined in Penal Law Section 485.05 as an offense committed “in whole or in substantial part because of a belief or perception regarding the race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, religion, religious practice, age, disability or sexual orientation of a person, regardless of whether the belief or perception is correct.”
Retired New York Police Department inspector Paul Mauro told Fox News Digital that short of new evidence, this case will be charged as a regular murder case.
Advertisement
NY GOV. HOCHUL TO MEET WITH ‘KEY LEADERS’ TO DISCUSS ‘PATH FORWARD’ AMID ERIC ADAMS TURMOIL
“Now with transgenderism as a protected hate crime class, in a very blue state, you can rest assured that if they were in any way, shape or form capable of bringing this as a hate crime, they would,” he said. “They don’t want the blowback of saying they’re ignoring a hate crime, but they’re not doing that, so they mustn’t have that. It is possible they could gather more evidence.”
Sam Norquist, whose remains were found in a field in upstate New York last week.(New York State Police)
‘Beyond depraved’
Police said members of Norquist’s family were last in touch at the end of January. Authorities launched a missing person investigation last week after receiving a welfare check request from the family.
Police found Nordquist’s body on Thursday, Feb. 15, in a Yates County, New York, field.
Advertisement
Police believe Nordquist endured prolonged physical and psychological abuse and repeated acts of violence and torture between early December and early February.
“In my 20-year law enforcement career, this is one of the most horrific crimes I have ever investigated,” Capt. Kelly Swift of the State Police’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation said at a news conference on Friday.
“The facts and the circumstances of this crime are beyond depraved,” added James Ritts, the district attorney of Ontario County.
KATHY HOCHUL DOES APPARENT ABOUT-FACE ON NATURAL GAS AS NYC UTILITY SIGNALS MAJOR RATE HIKES
Hochul on Sunday called Nordquist’s slaying “horrific and brutal.”
Advertisement
“The charges against these individuals are sickening and all New Yorkers should join together to condemn this horrific act. We are praying for Sam Nordquist’s family, community and loved ones who are experiencing unimaginable grief,” the governor said.
Sam Nordquist was allegedly tortured for more than a month inside a motel until he died.(GoFundMe)
Hochul’s office said the governor is committed to providing a safe community for all people.
“We remain focused on holding these individuals accountable and will continue to work tirelessly to complete the investigation into Sam’s murder,” her office said.
Advertisement
Fox News Digital has reached out to Hochul’s office for comment.
INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION, (WGME) — Maine native and NASA astronaut Jessica Meir is giving us a look into her view from the International Space Station.
Meir shared this breathtaking view on X Sunday. It’s a stunning aurora show.
Meir is the commander for NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission.
Maine native and NASA astronaut Jessica Meir is giving us a look into her view from the International Space Station. (Courtesy of Jessica Meir)
Advertisement
She says there is a lot going on right now on the space station.
A few days ago, astronauts had to deal with a leak.
Meir says everyone on board is safe and happy to see the spectacular views.
The SpaceX Crew-12 has been up in the stars for 115 days.
Wedged right between Boston and Providence, Walpole, Massachusetts, has all the makings of a laid-back day trip. Known for its walkable and historic downtown, abundant green spaces creating a peaceful atmosphere, and a friendly community, Walpole allows visitors to go at a slower pace. Named for Sir Robert Walpole, England’s first prime minister, this New England town was first settled in 1659 and officially established in the 1720s. Main Street once served as a stagecoach route connecting Boston and Providence — you can still find a stone marker dating back to Walpole’s early days, which reads “20 miles to Boston 1740.” The marker was originally in front of the Brass Ball Tavern, Walpole’s very first tavern.
Over time, industrialization began to shape Walpole, according to Destination Downtown Walpole, with items including cotton, carpet, medical supplies, diapers, and bandages all produced in the surrounding factories and mills. Nowadays, the city’s population is a little over 26,000 people, but it has maintained a relaxed feel, with numerous trails and local businesses to explore. It’s also known for its friendly, community-centric atmosphere, with a lineup of events, from summertime farmers markets to live concerts and holiday celebrations held throughout the year in downtown. Walpole is also easily accessible — from Boston, it’s roughly 45 minutes south, driving or via public transport
Advertisement
History and charm in downtown Walpole
Yingna Cai/Shutterstock
Nearby Boston is one of America’s most historic places, and visitors will find plenty of historic charm right in Walpole as well. In downtown, find historic buildings like a town hall and church, both dating back to the 19th century. You can also learn more about Walpole’s past at the Walpole Historical Society, which is located within a home from 1826. Here, you’ll find a number of rooms decorated with the building’s original Victorian-era style, as well as archives detailing Walpole’s history. The building opens to the public most Saturdays, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., or by appointment, and admission is free.
Apart from its historic sites, Walpole’s downtown is also lined with an array of local restaurants and businesses. The Farmer in the Dell is a Walpole mainstay, with 4.7 stars on Google. Visitors praise not only the food (dishes range from fried chicken and egg breakfast sandwiches to slow-roasted brisket with horseradish cream), but also the friendly service. Tessie’s Bar and Kitchen, meanwhile, is rated 4.4 stars on Google and is frequently recommended by locals for its array of comfort foods like burgers, sandwiches, and entrees like steak frites and baked mac and cheese. For international cuisine, one of the town’s top-rated options is Kosmos, which has earned a 4.8-star rating on Google for its Greek dishes and warm, welcoming staff. The Main Street restaurant serves a variety of family recipes, with dishes like brizola (30-day aged ribeye with potatoes and shishito peppers) and lavraki (pan-seared branzino with a pistachio skordalia, a garlicky potato dip). Visitors looking for some local shopping should head to Amelia Sky Boutique, rated 5.0 on Google. The fashion boutique has been around since 2020, and carries brands like Free People and Vintage Havana.
Advertisement
A Massachusetts nature escape
Yingna Cai/Shutterstock
From scenic state parks to classic New England landscapes, Massachusetts has no shortage of natural settings to explore. The entire town of Walpole is connected to a 230-mile trail network around Boston, known as the Bay Circuit Trail. Right within Walpole, you’ll find a number of trails — and along with the town’s numerous parks, it’s easy to relax and take things at a slower pace here. The 89-acre Francis William Bird Park is one of Walpole’s most tranquil spaces, featuring several miles of trails, sports courts, and three ponds. The park is even home to a stage, where community events are sometimes held. The park was created back in 1925 by Charles Sumner Bird, Sr., and his wife, Anna, in honor of their son, who had passed away a few years prior, and today, it has a 4.7 Google rating with nearly 900 reviews, and is dotted with picturesque tree groves and stone bridges. Visitors consistently praise the scenery, amenities, and peaceful atmosphere.
At Adams Farm, meanwhile, find over 700 acres with several trails (including trails for mountain biking), plus a butterfly garden, an organic community garden, and wildlife like eastern blue birds, yellow warblers, foxes, deer, and more. The farm is operated by the town and often hosts community events, like concerts and free nature walks. Also rated a 4.7 on Google, past visitors praise the shaded, well-maintained trails and diverse recreational opportunities. For an affordable Massachusetts destination with restaurants, parks, and trails, also consider a visit to Ludlow, 90 minutes from Walpole.
NASHUA, N.H (WHDH) – A person was rushed to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries after a multi-vehicle crash in Nashua, New Hampshire, on Sunday.
Crews responding to a reported crash at the intersection of Amherst Street and Airport Road around 10:45 a.m. found a two-vehicle crash with one vehicle rolled over and an injured occupant inside, according to the Nashua Fire Department.
The injured person was taken to the hospital.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Advertisement
(Copyright (c) 2026 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
Join our Newsletter for the latest news right to your inbox
