Episode 2: The Story of Sam Nordquist

Host Athena Hope covers the case of transgender man, Sam Nordquist.

Sources:

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/15/nyregion/ny-arrests-sam-nordquist-murder.html

https://troopers.ny.gov/news/updatenew-york-state-police-seek-public-assistance-locating-missing-person 

https://www.rochesterfirst.com/canandaigua/mother-of-man-tortured-and-killed-in-ontario-county-calls-defendants-evil/

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/17/nyregion/sam-nordquist-killing-transgender-hate-crime.html

https://13wham.com/news/local/nysp-and-ontario-county-da-no-evidence-of-hate-crime-in-nordquist-case

https://www.kare11.com/article/news/crime/mom-minnesota-transgender-man-killed-nyc-speaks-sam-nordquist/89-459e4013-346e-4a28-af6d-43feeeb2d1bd 

https://www.silive.com/crime-safety/2025/02/ny-murder-victim-sam-nordquist-was-sexually-assaulted-and-beaten-for-a-month-court-papers-say.html

https://www.syracuse.com/crime/2025/02/man-tortured-killed-in-finger-lakes-came-to-new-york-for-love-thats-all-sam-ever-wanted.html

https://www.change.org/p/justice-for-sam-nordquist-demand-harsher-sentencing?recruiter=436247&recruited_by_id=7eef77e0-13ea-0130-8369-38ac6f16cbb1  Petition for harsher sentences.

https://www.gofundme.co

Chapters

• 0:10 Intro
• 0:43 Main Content Intro
• 1:48 July 2024 - January 2025
• 3:11 February 2025
• 5:27 Family's Thoughts
• 7:50 Athena's Thoughts
• 9:44 Outro

Transcript

Athena Hope: 0:10

Hello everyone, welcome to the Transgenders at War podcast, the show that focuses on transgender people, politics and how transgender people are affected by it. I'm your host, athena Hope. Today's episode is special as we examine the tragic case of Sam Nordquist, a transgender man. Please be aware that this episode contains a trigger warning for abuse. Let's get started. In the town of Canandaigua, new York, a heartbreaking discovery has left our community searching for answers. Today, we remember Sam Nordquist, a 24-year-old transgender man from Minnesota whose life was tragically taken away in an act of unspeakable violence. Sam was known for his kindness, love for nature and trusting spirit. In September 2024, he journeyed to New York to meet a woman named Precious Arzuaga, with whom he had formed a deep connection through online conversation. His family, though concerned, supported his decision, hoping for his happiness and safety. However, a series of events unfolded that led to one of the most devastating crimes the region has ever seen. In this episode, we honor Sam's memory by examining his disappearance and the ongoing quest for justice. We will also shed light on the broader issues his story raises.

Athena Hope: 1:48

This case started in July 2024. Sam Nordquist, a 24-year-old transgender man from Minnesota, met Precious Arzuaga online and began a romantic relationship After talking for a few months, sam decided to visit Precious. On September 28th, sam ordered a round-trip ticket to New York. He originally planned to return to Minnesota. After staying with Precious for two weeks, he stayed with her at the Paddy's Lodge Motel in Canandaigua, new York. On October 12th his return flight was scheduled, but Sam missed it and decided to extend his trip indefinitely. Since October 12th, communication between Sam and his family had dwindled and they heard less and less from him. Sometime in December, sam's mom received a message about her son. She talked to an employee at the Ontario County Department of Social Services who told her Sam had sought help, saying he was in a controlling relationship and missed home.

Athena Hope: 2:42

January 1st was the last time Linda spoke to Sam. His final words were I love you and I'll call you tomorrow. The call never came, leaving Linda with deep dread. Linda noticed that some messages received after January 1st didn't seem to be from Sam. Her instincts told her something was wrong and her anxiety grew daily. After January 31st, the family's concern escalated. As they noticed Sam's phone was off, which was unusual for him. They sensed something was wrong.

Athena Hope: 3:11

On February 9th 2025, after not hearing from Sam for weeks, his family filed a missing person report with the New York State Police. His sister, kayla Nordquist, had contacted his co-workers and friends, but no one had heard from him. On February 13th, investigators executed a search warrant at room number 22 at the Paddy's Lodge Motel. Tragically, they discovered human remains in a field about 30 minutes away, later identified as Sam's. The news devastated his family, who had held onto hope, despite growing evidence of foul play. Devastated his family, who had held onto hope, despite growing evidence of foul play.

Athena Hope: 3:50

The following day, five individuals, including Precious Arzuaga, were arrested and charged with second-degree murder and depraved indifference in connection with Sam's death. A grand jury has indicted the five suspects on felony charges related to Sam's murder. The defendants are to face proceedings in the Ontario County Court. The suspects are currently being held without bail. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled and authorities expect a grand jury to take further action soon. If convicted, the suspects could face 15 to 20 years in prison. The family is left grappling with the unimaginable loss of Sam, seeking justice while trying to come to terms with the horrific circumstances of his death.

Athena Hope: 4:26

Investigators revealed that Sam was subjected to repeated acts of violence and torture between December 2024 and February 2025, ultimately leading to his death. Sam Nordquist was sexually assaulted with various objects, including a table leg and a broomstick, as part of the prolonged physical and psychological abuse he endured. The assaults were part of an alarming pattern of violence that ultimately led to his death. According to District Attorney James Ritz, much forensic work and investigation still needs to be done, so he cannot say what Sam's relationship to the five individuals arrested were. James Ritz stated. I am so sorry. As you heard, the facts and the circumstances of this crime are beyond depraved. This is by far the worst homicide investigation that our office has ever been a part of.

Athena Hope: 5:27

Sam's mother, linda Nordquist, told news sources that was all Sam ever wanted to be loved and in a relationship. Linda said her family had tried to warn Sam about meeting someone he knew only online, but he was determined. She noted that the two had been constantly on FaceTime since mid-July. Linda described Sam as trusting and loving, with a deep affection for the outdoors. Sam's decision to go to New York raised concerns for his family, especially since his location on their cell phones showed he rarely left the motel, which was unusual for him. Sam enjoyed making friends and had several. He met through various online channels, including TikTok video games and Liveme, a personal streaming site. Linda recalled that Sam was initially shy when meeting new people but would quickly open up. Kayla Nordquist, sam's sister, highlighted his close relationship with co-workers at Rise Co. Inc. A group home for people with disabilities. Sam dedicated nearly six years working there with his sister and mother.

Athena Hope: 6:31

Sam found deep fulfillment in his interactions with vulnerable adults. He was known for his patience, compassion and ability to bring joy to those he cared for. He just had a joy with it, his mom said, recalling how sam would take clients on outings and dance with them. Sam's love for dancing and music was a significant part of his life and he often filmed himself dancing, showcasing his vibrant and joyful spirit. He was the best kind of silly weirdo you could have. Linda said he always brought a smile to your face, trying to be a jokester. She described Sam as very kind, hardworking and outgoing, with a deep love for his family, especially his nieces and nephews. His love for his family was evident in everything he did. His mom said Sam also enjoyed spending time in nature with his family. They used to visit zoos all over the Midwest.

Athena Hope: 7:20

Linda planned to stay in the state until she could bring her son's body back to Minnesota. I want him home, where he belongs. She said her voice filled with longing. She emphasized that people should know how loving her son was, stating Sam was a wonderful person who did not deserve this. No human being deserves this. His absence has left a void that will never be filled.

Athena Hope: 7:50

The authorities ruled that it didn't seem like this was a hate crime. They reasoned that it can't be a hate crime because the murderers are also identified as LGBT+. However, it's important to remember that for hate crimes, the key factor is the motivation behind the crime, not the identity of the perpetrators. The identity of the perpetrators does not necessarily negate the possibility of a hate crime. Individuals within the LGBT plus community can still harbor biases or act violently against others within the community due to internalized prejudices or personal conflicts. Words that come to mind are internalized homophobia and internalized transphobia. Internalized prejudice occurs when members of a marginalized group internalize and accept negative messages or stereotypes about their own group. This internalized prejudice can sometimes manifest in violence or discrimination against other members of the same group. It may be challenging to classify the crime as a hate crime because currently there is no clear evidence that Sam was targeted because of his gender identity. One factor could have been Sam's transgender identity. Another factor could have been his racial profile as well. Sam Nordquist was the only black and racial minority member in their group. Based on Sam's family reports, he was known to be kind-hearted and a very good man.

Athena Hope: 9:09

Our society today is dangerous for those who are minorities, especially transgender. It is because of hateful rhetoric and people such as Donald Trump creating anti-transgender legislation and dehumanizing us every chance he gets, that our society is learning to build hatred and resentment towards transgender people. Just because someone is LGBT plus doesn't mean they are unable to hate their own. Our society still very much shuns and makes a joke out of gay people, and because of that, everybody is affected negatively.

Athena Hope: 9:44

Thank you so much for watching this episode of my podcast. Today we've delved into the tragic case of Sam Nordquist, a life cut short by unimaginable violence. As we continue to seek justice and answers, let's remember Sam for his kindness, love for nature and the joy he brought to those around him. His story highlights the ongoing struggles faced by the transgender community and the urgent need to change. We must stand together, advocating for a safer, more inclusive society where love and acceptance prevail over hate and prejudice. Stay tuned for future episodes as we explore politics and the lives of transgender individuals. Until next time, I'm Athena Hope, and this has been Transgenders at War.