By Tiffany Williams –
New York State Police last Thursday confirmed that they have recovered the human remains believed to be a person who was reported missing since February 9, 2025.
The family of Sam Nordquist, age 24, originally from Oakdale, Minnesota contacted New York State Police in Canandaigua, New York to do a welfare check which became a missing person investigation.
Sam traveled to New York in September to meet an “online girlfriend,” according to a verified GoFundMe set up by his family. Nordquist’s friends and family hadn’t heard from him since January 1, according to the fundraiser.
New York State Police said, “Investigators determined that Nordquist had been residing at Patty’s Lodge in Hopewell, NY, with Precious Arzuaga, 38, and others.”
“Following extensive investigative efforts, law enforcement officials uncovered evidence indicating that Nordquist was subjected to ongoing physical abuse between December 2024 and February 2025,” New York State Police said. “On February 13, 2025, human remains believed to be Nordquist’s were discovered in a field off Payne Road in Yates County.”
After consultation with the Ontario County District Attorney’s Office, New York State Police arrested five individuals and said they have been charged with Murder in the second degree.
Those five individuals have been identified as:
Precious Arzuaga, 38, of Geneva, NY
Jennifer A. Quijano, 30, of Geneva, NY
Kyle Sage, 33, of Hopewell, NY
Patrick A. Goodwin, 30, of Rochester, NY
Emily Motyka, 19, of Rochester, NY
“Investigators executed multiple search warrants at Patty’s Lodge and other locations tied to the case,” New York State Police said. “Evidence, including electronic devices, clothing, and personal effects, has been secured for further forensic analysis. The investigation indicated that the victim was subjected to prolonged physical and psychological abuse before being transported to Yates County, where the remains were disposed of.”
On Sunday the New York Civil Liberties Union identified Sam Nordquist as a Black transgender man, and NYCLU Genesee Valley regional organizer Shay Herbert in a statement said, “We are heartbroken by the horrific murder of Sam Nordquist and extend our condolences to his family and loved ones. Sam was killed in a gruesome act of violence and should be alive today. This tragedy comes at a time of nationwide attacks against trans people, led by a federal administration hellbent on erasing their existence. Transgender people are over four times more likely than cisgender people to be victims of violent crime, and the vast majority of victims are people of color. The NYCLU calls for justice and will continue to fight to ensure that all people can live as their authentic selves, with dignity, safety and free from violence.”
Sage and Goodwin are both currently on parole.
Kyle Sage was also on parole when arrested. Records show he was released from prison on May 30 last year. He served time for the charges of grand larceny and dissemination of indecent material.
Goodwin was on parole at the time of the alleged offense having been arrested in 2014 for sexually abusing a 7-year-old boy and 9-year-old girl.
Goodwin 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 and was staying Patty’s Lodge, just a few rooms away from Nordquist.
Ontario County District Attorney Jim Ritts, said, “That the murder of 24-year-old Sam Nordquist is the most horrific case his department has prosecuted.”
The suspects were arraigned Friday morning and are being held at the Ontario County Jail without bail
Linda Nordquist, Sam’s mother, said her son had a heart of gold.