One of the seven people charged in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Sam Nordquist has pleaded guilty in Ontario County Court.
Ontario County District Attorney Jason MacBride announced that Emily Motyka entered guilty pleas Tuesday before Judge Kristina Karle to Murder in the Second Degree and Kidnapping in the Second Degree for her role in Nordquist’s death.
Motyka, who was 19 years old at the time of the crime, also waived her right to appeal as part of the plea agreement. She will remain in custody pending sentencing and is not eligible for bail.
Under the agreement, Motyka faces a sentence ranging from 15 years to life in prison, up to a maximum of 50 years to life. Any sentence imposed by the court will include a maximum term of life imprisonment.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, the Nordquist family was informed of the plea agreement before Tuesday’s court appearance and expressed support for the resolution. Prosecutors noted that Motyka had no prior criminal history and was cooperative throughout the investigation and prosecution. The District Attorney’s Office said she is the only defendant charged in the case who has accepted responsibility for her actions.
“While no outcome can undo the profound loss suffered by Sam’s family and loved ones, this plea secures accountability for Emily Motyka’s role in these violent crimes,” said First Assistant District Attorney James Nobles. “Motyka accepted responsibility for her conduct and now faces a sentence that could result in her spending the remainder of her life in prison.”
The prosecution of the remaining six defendants is ongoing. Prosecutors said the trial of co-defendant Precious Arzuaga is scheduled to begin August 31 and that no plea offer will be extended in that case.
Authorities allege that 24-year-old Sam Nordquist was subjected to weeks of torture at Patty’s Lodge before his death on February 1, 2025.
Nordquist was reported missing on February 9, 2025. Investigators say the abuse occurred between early January and early February, ultimately leading to his death. His body was later recovered in a field along Payne Road in Benton. It is believed Nordquist traveled from Minnesota to the Finger Lakes in September of 2024 and was staying at Patty’s Lodge in Hopewell with some of the suspects.
Officials have confirmed that Nordquist was transgender, but said there was no evidence at this time to classify the case as a hate crime.
