NEW YORK (WPIX) – Sam Nordquist, a transgender man who was reported missing by his family last week, has been found dead in a New York field. On Friday, New York State Police said Nordquist had endured repeated acts of violence and torture that led to his death. 

“We are here today to provide an update on the case of Sam Nordquist, who was originally reported missing to New York State Police on February 9, 2025,” said Trooper Lynnea Crane, Public Information Officer for Troop E. “Unfortunately, we must now confirm that this case has now transitioned from a missing person investigation to a homicide investigation.”

Five people have been arrested and accused of second-degree murder, officials said.

Precious Arzuaga, 38, and Patrick Goodwin, 30, of Canandaigua, New York; Kyle Sage, 33, of Rochester, New York; Jennifer Quijano, 30, of Geneva, New York; and Emily Motyka, 19, of Lima, New York are being held pending arraignment.

Nordquist, a 24-year-old originally from Minnesota, was reported missing on Feb. 9. Police said he arrived in New York in September and had lost contact with loved ones.

New York State Police initiated a missing person investigation after receiving a welfare check request from Nordquist’s family. Investigators determined that Nordquist had been residing at Patty’s Lodge in Hopewell with Arzuaga and others, according to the New York State Police. 

Following extensive investigative efforts, law enforcement officials uncovered evidence indicating that Nordquist had been subjected to ongoing physical abuse since December.

In a press briefing Friday, police officials confirmed human remains believed to be Nordquist’s were discovered in a field in Yates County.

“This is one of the most horrific crimes I’ve ever investigated,” Captain Kelly Swift of the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation said, adding that the investigation had so far revealed a “deeply disturbing pattern of abuse” leading to Nordquist’s death.

Though not many details regarding the investigation have been released, officials say the torture that Nordquist suffered was horrific. 

Major Kevin Sucher, commander of the state police troop that includes the Finger Lakes region, said the facts and circumstances of the case were “beyond depraved” and “by far the worst” homicide investigation the office has ever been part of.

“No human being should have to endure what Sam endured,” he said during a televised news conference.

When asked if Nordquist’s torture and death were considered a hate crime, Swift said police hadn’t ruled it out and stressed the investigation was ongoing.

Investigators are determining Nordquist’s relationship with the suspects as well as the suspects’ relationships with one another.

State Police encourage anyone with any information to come forward.

This story comprises reporting from The Associated Press.