Mother of ringleader in killing of Sam Nordquist now faces kidnapping, conspiracy charges
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The mother of the apparent ringleader in the brutal killing of a transgender man from Minnesota in upstate New York last year has now been charged in the case.
Shirley Morales, 56, faces kidnapping and conspiracy charges in connection with the death of Sam Nordquist. Online court records show that Morales pleaded not guilty during her arraignment on Monday in Ontario County, N.Y.
WROC-TV reported that Morales is the mother of Precious Arzuaga, who pleaded guilty to first-degree murder earlier this year and was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the killing of Nordquist.
The Rochester Democrat & Chronicle reported that Morales is also the grandmother of another person charged in the case.
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Authorities previously said that Nordquist met Arzuaga online and fell in love, and he then traveled to New York to visit her two years ago. After arriving, authorities said, Nordquist was held against his will, physically and sexually assaulted and psychologically abused. His body was found in February 2025 in a rural field. Nordquist was 24 years old.
Spectrum News reported that Morales is now accused of taking part in the kidnapping and assault of Nordquist.
The cases of several other people charged in Nordquist’s death continue to move through the court system. In addition to Arzuaga, another person charged in the case, Jennifer Quijano, also pleaded guilty earlier this year and was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
A 24-hour statewide sexual violence and domestic violence hotline is available in Minnesota. You can call Minnesota Day One at (866) 223-1111 or text (612) 399-9995.
