Precious Arzuaga and Jennifer Quijano received life sentences without parole for the torture and murder of Sam Nordquist.
Precious Arzuaga and Jennifer Quijano were sentenced to life in prison without parole on Tuesday for the torture and murder of Sam Nordquist. Nordquist, a trans identified man from Minnesota, traveled to the Finger Lakes region in September 2024 and stayed at Patty's Lodge in Hopewell.
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Authorities reported that Nordquist was tortured from January 1 to February 2, 2025, before his body was found in a Yates County field on February 13, 2025. Prosecutors described Arzuaga as the ringleader of the group who tortured Nordquist. Arzuaga pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and other charges. Quijano, who was in a relationship with Arzuaga, pleaded guilty to murder and other charges. Prosecutors stated that jealousy motivated Quijano's involvement, as she reportedly referred to Nordquist as a "two-legged dog." During the sentencing, Nordquist's mother, Linda Nordquist, and sister, Kayla Nordquist, addressed the defendants. Arzuaga apologized to the family, stating she was willing to accept any punishment. Quijano's sentencing included a statement of apology read on her behalf. Seven people are charged in total, with three remaining defendants awaiting trial in January.
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2 Women Who Killed Transgender Man Are Sentenced to Life in Prison
The New York Times
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2 Women Get Life for Torturing, Killing Transgender Man
Newser
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Sam Nordquist traveled 1,000 miles for love. His family made the same journey to confront his killers.
nbcnews.com
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Inside the courtroom as justice was delivered for Sam Norquist
Democrat and Chronicle