Seven Arrested in Torture and Killing of Transgender Man in New York

Two additional suspects have been charged in the murder of Sam Nordquist, whose death has prompted vigils and calls for justice within the LGBTQ+ community.

• Sam Nordquist, a 24-year-old transgender man, was tortured for over a month before his body was found in a field in Benton, New York, on February 13.
• Two new suspects, Kimberly Sochia, 29, and Thomas Eaves, 21, were arrested and charged with second-degree murder, bringing the total number of arrests to seven.
• Authorities have stated that Nordquist knew his assailants, who also identified as LGBTQ+, and have not classified the crime as a hate crime at this stage of the investigation.
• Investigators described the crime as one of the most horrific they have encountered, involving prolonged physical and psychological abuse before Nordquist's death.
• Vigils have been held in New York and Minnesota to honor Nordquist and raise awareness about violence against transgender individuals, with advocacy groups urging further investigation into potential hate crime motives.

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