New York law enforcement officials announced that they have not found evidence of a hate crime in the murder of transgender man Sam Nordquist, who was found dead in an upstate New York field last week. Five suspects were arrested in connection with the murder, but officials stated that the relationship between the suspects and Nordquist suggests it was not a hate crime. The suspects knew Nordquist and were part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Nordquist, 24, had bought a round-trip plane ticket from Minnesota to New York in September after meeting a woman online in July. However, he never boarded the return flight in October, prompting his family to report him missing in February when they were unable to reach him. Detectives later discovered evidence of prolonged physical and psychological abuse leading to Nordquist’s tragic death.
The suspects were charged with second-degree murder and denied bail after their initial court appearance. Police found Nordquist’s remains in Benton, located near Canandaigua, less than 20 miles away. An autopsy will be conducted on his remains by the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Officials urged the community not to speculate on the motive behind the murder and emphasized their commitment to providing a safe community for all individuals. The press release also acknowledged the fear among members of the LGBTQ+ community, following the heinous crime. Captain Kelly Swift of the state police’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation described Nordquist’s case as one of the most horrific crimes investigated in her 20-year law enforcement career.
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