CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. — Gov. Kathy Hochul on Sunday responded to the death of a transgender man from Minnesota who was found dead.

New York State Police on Friday confirmed the death of 24-year-old Sam Nordquist, saying that the facts and circumstances of the case were “beyond depraved.” Five people have been arrested in connection to his death.

“Late last week, the New York State Police and local law enforcement announced the arrest of five individuals in connection to the horrific and brutal killing of Sam Nordquist,” Hochul said.

“The charges against these individuals are sickening and all New Yorkers should join together to condemn this horrific act. We are praying for Sam Nordquist’s family, community and loved ones who are experiencing unimaginable grief.”

Five people — Precious Arzuaga, 38, and Patrick Goodwin, 30, of Canandaigua; Kyle Sage, 33, of Rochester; Jennifer Quijano, 30, of Geneva; and Emily Motyka, 19, of Lima — have been charged with second-degree murder. They were arrested Thursday night after police searched a motel room in Canandaigua, at the last place Nordquist was known to have stayed.

All five suspects are now in police custody, pending arraignment.

“I have directed State Police to provide any and all support and resources to the District Attorney as they continue their investigation, including into whether this was a hate crime,” Hochul said, adding that the State Office of Victim Services has contacted local officials to connect the victim’s family with services and support.

The New York State Division of Human Rights Hate and Bias Prevention Unit will also offer assistance locally.

“There must be justice for Sam Nordquist,” Hochul said.

Capt. Kelly Swift, with the New York State Police Troop E’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation, on Friday said police had not ruled out the possibility of the death being considered a hate crime. Captain Swift also called it “one of the most horrific crimes” she has ever investigated in her 20 years in law enforcement.

Captain Swift also said the investigation, in its early stages, revealed a “deeply disturbing pattern of abuse.”

State Police said Friday that Nordquist traveled from Minnesota to the Finger Lakes in September of 2024 and lost contact with family. Investigators believe he was physically and psychologically tortured from December through this month.

That abuse led to Nordquist’s death, police said. Nordquist was reported as missing on Feb. 9, and his body was discarded in a field.

“No human being should have to endure what Sam endured,” Major Kevin Sucher, commander of the state police troop that includes the Finger Lakes region, said during a news conference.

Police did not share many details of the case, noting it remained under active investigation.

Officials are urging anyone with information that could help the investigation to contact New York State Police.