Third defendant pleads guilty in Sam Nordquist murder case
Jennifer Quijano became the third defendant to plead guilty in the Sam Nordquist murder case on July 15, 2026, admitting to first-degree murder and six other felony counts tied to the kidnapping, torture, and killing of the 24-year-old transgender man from Minnesota. Her sentencing is set for September 8 in Ontario County Court, Canandaigua, New York.
The plea marks another major turn in one of the Finger Lakes region's most disturbing homicide cases. Prosecutors say Nordquist endured weeks of abuse before his body was found in a Yates County field on February 13, 2025. With three of seven defendants now resolved, attention shifts to trials and sentencings still ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Jennifer Quijano pleaded guilty July 15, 2026, to all charges in the torture and murder of Sam Nordquist.
- She is the third of seven defendants to resolve their cases; four co-defendants still face separate trials.
- Nordquist, 24, traveled from Oakdale, Minnesota, to the Finger Lakes in September 2024 before prosecutors say he was tortured and killed.
- Quijano admitted her actions caused Nordquist's death and that she helped conceal his body afterward.
- Her sentencing is scheduled for September 8; two earlier guilty pleas are set for sentencing in September as well.
Who is Jennifer Quijano and what did she plead guilty to?
Quijano appeared before Ontario County Judge Kristina Karle in Canandaigua and entered guilty pleas to every count in her indictment. The charges include first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree kidnapping, second-degree conspiracy, first-degree aggravated sexual abuse, concealment of a human corpse, and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
During the hearing, prosecutors questioned Quijano about her role. She admitted that beating, kicking, and sexually assaulting Nordquist caused his death, and that the abuse was carried out for the gratification of herself and others. She also acknowledged participating in concealing Nordquist's body after he died.
Courtroom images published by the Democrat and Chronicle showed Quijano being led from court after the plea. Syracuse.com also published video of the proceeding.
What happened to Sam Nordquist?
Nordquist was a transgender man from Oakdale, Minnesota. Authorities said he traveled to the Finger Lakes region in September 2024 and stayed at Patty's Lodge in Hopewell. Ontario County District Attorney Jason MacBride said the torture took place between January 1 and February 2, 2025.
Nordquist's body was discovered in a Yates County field on February 13, 2025. The case has drawn national attention for its brutality and for the number of people charged. For more coverage of similar cases, see our True Crime & Unsolved Mysteries section.
Who else has been charged in the case?
Seven people have been charged in connection with Nordquist's death. Before Quijano's plea, Emily Motyka and Precious Arzuaga had already entered guilty pleas. Motyka pleaded guilty on June 2; Arzuaga, whom prosecutors have described as the leader of the group, pleaded guilty on June 26 to 10 felony counts, including first-degree murder.
Four defendants remain headed toward trial: Kyle Sage, Patrick Goodwin, Kimberly Sochia, and Thomas Eaves. The Ontario County District Attorney's Office said it remains committed to prosecuting the remaining defendants and holding everyone involved accountable.
What happens next in the Sam Nordquist case?
Quijano's sentencing is scheduled for September 8, 2026. Members of Nordquist's family are expected to address the court. Arzuaga is set to be sentenced on September 4.
With three guilty pleas now on the record, the case moves closer to resolution for Nordquist's loved ones while trials for the four remaining defendants loom. The July 15 hearing, reported by 13WHAM-TV, underscored how prosecutors are building accountability charge by charge.