Warning: This story has details of a violent crime
Jennifer “Brooklyn” Quijano has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for her role in the death of Sam Nordquist. Her sentence came just hours after her former partner and co-accused, Precious Arzuaga, was told she would spend the rest of her life behind bars.
Sam Nordquist, a 24-year-old transgender man from Minnesota, travelled to the small town of Canandaigua in upstate New York in September 2024 to meet Precious Arzuaga, whom he had met online and believed was his girlfriend.
The court heard that Nordquist was held captive for more than a month, during which he was tortured and sexually assaulted in a motel room. His body was later found in a field. Seven people were arrested following an investigation into the crimes, which police described as among the most horrific they had ever encountered.
Arzuaga admitted to physically and psychologically torturing Nordquist and was described by prosecutors as the leader of the group. Her convictions include first-degree murder, kidnapping, conspiracy, child endangerment, coercion, and sexual abuse.
Quijano faced many of the same charges, including murder, kidnapping, and conspiracy.
The cases of Emily Motyka, Kyle Sage, Patrick Goodwin, Thomas Eaves, and Kimberly Sochia have yet to come before the courts.
Local media reported that the judge was moved to tears by victim impact statements delivered by Nordquist’s mother, Linda Nordquist, and his sister, Kayla Nordquist.
“My brother is gone. Nothing will ever change that,” Kayla Nordquist said.
“That’s the person I want you to know today. Sam, my brother. Not Sam, the victim. He was the kind of person who would drop everything to help someone else.”
Kayla Nordquist said her brother believed he had found someone who loved him for who he was when he met Arzuaga.
“He wanted to build a life with someone who loved him for exactly who he was,” she said.
Ontario County Assistant District Attorney Sara Van Strydonck told the court on Tuesday that Quijano’s motive in Nordquist’s torture and killing was jealousy.
While Arzuaga was described by prosecutors as the leader of the group, Quijano was characterised as “the muscle” during court proceedings.
Do you need some support
If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, support and counselling are available from:
QLife: 1800 184 527 / qlife.org.au
QLife are a counselling and referral service for LGBTQIA+ people.
DISCHARGED: info@discharged.asn.au / discharged.asn.au
Discharged is a trans-led support service with peer support groups for trans and gender diverse folks.
Lifeline: 13 11 14 / lifeline.org.au
Beyondblue: 1300 22 4636 / www.beyondblue.org.au
