Two women were sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole for the torture and death of Sam Nordquist, a 24-year-old transgender man. Precious Arzuaga, 40, and Jennifer Quijano, 32, were sentenced on Tuesday for the crimes committed against Nordquist, who was held captive for weeks at a motel in upstate New York.
Both had already pleaded guilty to all the charges brought against them, including homicide, kidnapping, conspiracy and concealment of a corpse. Investigations revealed that Nordquist was tortured during the period he was held captive before dying.
Arzuaga and Quijano are part of a group of seven people charged in connection with Nordquist's death, which occurred in February 2025. Precious Arzuaga was identified by prosecutors as the leader of the group responsible for the crime.
Two other defendants have already pleaded guilty and still await sentencing. The remaining three, including Thomas Eaves, 22, Arzuaga's son, are expected to be tried next year.
