Precious Arzuaga and her ex-girlfriend Jennifer Quijano were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for their roles in the murder of Sam Nordquist at a motel in upstate New York. The sentencing occurred on September 9, 2026, in Ontario County court. Arzuaga had pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in July. Nordquist, a 24-year-old transgender man, was found dead in a field in Yates County on February 13, 2025, after being reported missing by family members on February 9. He had been staying with Arzuaga at Patty’s Lodge motel in Canandaigua since September 2024.
During the month leading up to his death, Nordquist was subjected to severe torture, including physical assaults with various objects. Prosecutors described the crime as akin to a horror film. Ontario County First Assistant District Attorney James Nobles stated, "This is the worst of the worst." Arzuaga reportedly lured Nordquist to New York under false pretenses of a loving relationship.
Nordquist's mother, Linda, spoke about her son’s character, stating, "Sam had the gentlest heart of anyone I’ve ever known." Prosecutors indicated that jealousy motivated Quijano's involvement in the crime, as she felt neglected when Arzuaga focused on Nordquist. Both Arzuaga and Quijano faced multiple charges, including first-degree murder and kidnapping. Other defendants involved in the case are awaiting sentencing or trial.