Five Charged in Torture and Killing of Black Trans Man Sam Nordquist in New York

Authorities are investigating the brutal death of Sam Nordquist, with no current evidence of a hate crime, as vigils honor his life and legacy.

Sam Nordquist, a 24-year-old Black transgender man from Minnesota, was found dead in a field in Yates County, New York, after enduring months of abuse.
Five individuals, including at least one person Nordquist lived with, have been charged with second-degree murder with depraved indifference.
Law enforcement stated there is no current indication that the killing was a hate crime, citing that some suspects are also LGBTQ+ and knew Nordquist personally.
Vigils have been held in New York and Minnesota to honor Nordquist's life, with family and community members remembering him as kind and generous.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has directed resources to assist the investigation and support Nordquist's family, while Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz expressed condolences.