In New York State, authorities arrested and charged five people over the death of 24-year-old Minnesota transgender man Sam Nordquist, according to The Advocate.
However, as the investigation continues, law enforcement officials said that they have found no signs that the killing was a hate crime, MSNBC noted. The Ontario County district attorney and the New York State Police said in a joint statement that the suspects had known Nordquist and that they identified as part of the LGBTQ+ community.
“In my 20-year law enforcement career, this is one of the most horrific crimes I have ever investigated,” NYSP Bureau of Criminal Investigations Capt. Kelly Swift said at a press conference. “Our investigation has revealed a deeply disturbing pattern of abuse that ultimately resulted in Sam’s tragic death. Sam was subjected to repeated acts of violence and torture in a manner that ultimately led to his death.” (Nordquist had been missing for a month and it’s believed he was constantly tortured during that time before his body was discarded, NBC Chicago added.)
Nordquist’s mother, Linda, told Minneapolis news station KARE 11 that her son had traveled to New York in late September to meet an online girlfriend. Sam’s family last heard from him in January.
A group of about 100 people gathered in below-zero temperatures on Feb. 18 on the steps of the state Capitol in St. Paul to mourn the loss of Sam, MPR News noted.