Authorities say they have no indications yet that Sam Nordquist’s death was a hate crime
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Authorities in New York have released new information about their investigation into the death of a 24-year-old transgender man from Oakdale, Minn., and say they currently don’t regard it as a hate crime.
Five people have been charged with second-degree murder in the killing of Sam Nordquist. Authorities found Nordquist’s body in a field and investigators say he was subjected to weeks of torture and abuse.
“We urge the community not to speculate into the motive behind the murder as we work to find justice for Sam,” the joint statement from the Ontario County District Attorney and New York State Police. “At this time we have no indication that Sam’s murder was a hate crime.”
For it to be a hate crime under New York law, prosecutors must show the offense was committed “in whole or in substantial part” because of a person’s gender identity or expression among attributes such as race, religion or sexual orientation.
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The statement says the alleged assailants also identified as LGBTQ+ and Nordquist had lived with one of them for a time.
“We share the community’s shock at such a heinous act of violence, and understand the fear circulating amongst members of the LGBTQ+ community,” the statement read. “We will follow any and all leads to ensure that the motive for this murder is uncovered.”
In an interview with KARE-11, Nordquist’s mother Linda says the last time she heard her son’s voice was on New Year’s Day.
“He had a heart of gold and wouldn’t hurt anybody,” she said. “This is so devastating. Sam did not deserve this. Nobody deserves this type of torment that he had to endure.”
Nordquist had traveled to New York on Sept. 28 to meet an online girlfriend with plans to return to Minnesota two weeks later. His mother says she will pursue justice for her son.
“These people that did this to Sam are pure evil,” she said. “They’re not even human. We will get justice for you, Sam, even if it takes the last breath out of me, you will have justice.”
A vigil for Nordquist is planned for 7 p.m. on Monday at the Minnesota State Capitol.
