A third defendant has pleaded guilty in the torture and killing of Sam Nordquist, marking another major development in one of the Finger Lakes’ most disturbing homicide cases.
Jennifer Quijano entered guilty pleas Wednesday in Ontario County Court to every count contained in the indictment related to Nordquist’s kidnapping, torture, sexual abuse, murder, and the concealment of his body.
Appearing before Judge Kristina Karle, Quijano admitted her role in the prolonged abuse of Nordquist between January 1 and February 2, 2025, as well as helping conceal his body after his death.
Quijano pleaded guilty to:
- First-degree murder
- Two counts of first-degree kidnapping
- Second-degree conspiracy
- First-degree aggravated sexual abuse
- Concealing a human corpse
- Two counts of endangering the welfare of a child
Ontario County District Attorney Jason MacBride called the plea another important step toward justice.
“Throughout this prosecution, our thoughts have remained with Sam Nordquist’s family. Every step in this case has been taken with one goal in mind—seeking justice for Sam. Today’s plea is another meaningful step toward that goal.”
MacBride also praised First Assistant District Attorney James Nobles, Chief Assistant District Attorney Sara Van Strydonck, and the New York State Police for their work investigating and prosecuting the case.
Quijano is scheduled to be sentenced on September 8, when members of Nordquist’s family are expected to address the court.
Quijano is the third of seven defendants to plead guilty in the case.
On June 2, 20-year-old Emily Motyka pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and second-degree kidnapping. Then, on June 26, Precious Arzuaga, whom prosecutors have described as the leader of the group, pleaded guilty to 10 felony counts, including first-degree murder and first-degree aggravated sexual assault. Arzuaga is scheduled to be sentenced on September 4.
Four defendants—Kimberly Sochia, Patrick Goodwin, Kyle Sage, and Thomas Eaves—still have charges pending.
Prosecutors allege Nordquist, a 24-year-old Minnesota man, was subjected to weeks of torture after traveling to the Canandaigua area in September 2024 to meet Arzuaga, whom he had met online. Investigators say Nordquist had been living with Arzuaga at Patty’s Lodge in the Town of Hopewell before he disappeared.
His remains were discovered in a field off Payne Road in the Town of Benton on February 13, 2025, following an extensive New York State Police investigation that began after he was reported missing.
The Ontario County District Attorney’s Office said it remains committed to prosecuting the remaining defendants and holding everyone involved accountable for Nordquist’s death.
