A fourth defendant charged in connection with the torture and killing of 24-year-old Sam Nordquist has pleaded guilty.
Kyle Sage, 35, pleaded guilty Friday, Aug. 14, in Ontario County Court to second-degree murder and second-degree kidnapping in connection with Nordquist's death. Nordquist's body was found in Yates County in February 2025.
Under the plea agreement, Sage waived his right to appeal and will remain in custody. He faces a sentence of 40 years to life in prison in the New York State Department of Corrections.
Sage is the fourth defendant to plead guilty in the case. Three other defendants are awaiting trial.
Precious Arzuaga, 40, whom prosecutors have described as the "ring leader," pleaded guilty to all 10 charges against her in June.
Emily Motyka, 20, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and second-degree kidnapping in June, and Jennifer Quijano pleaded guilty to eight charges in July.
First Assistant District Attorney James Nobles said Sage's upcoming trial date, which had been scheduled for late August, along with "significant evidence" turned over to the defense in July, may have influenced Sage's decision to accept the plea agreement.
"We save the taxpayers and the family the expense and difficulty of a lengthy and complicated and difficult trial," Nobles said outside the courthouse Friday. "We're very pleased with the outcome when someone pleads guilty to murder and kidnapping and is getting 40 years to life in prison — we're satisfied with that."
Sage is expected to return to court in November for sentencing.
However, like his co-defendants Arzuaga and Quijano, Sage could face additional legal proceedings as federal authorities continue investigating the case.
What charges did Sage plead guilty to?
Sage pleaded guilty to:
- Second-degree murder
- Second-degree kidnapping
The charges carry a potential sentence of 40 years to life in prison under the plea agreement.
What do we know about the federal investigation?
Sage's federal defense attorney, Avik Gamguly, said the federal investigation remains ongoing and no federal indictment or charges have been filed.
Gamguly said federal prosecutors could pursue charges that carry the possibility of capital punishment, although it remains unclear what specific charges, if any, could be filed.
"All I can say at this point is that on the federal side, the charge that would result does meet the criteria, in the U.S. Attorney's opinion, for capital prosecution and potential death penalty," Gamguly said Friday.
Federal authorities can pursue charges when alleged criminal conduct violates both federal and state law. The U.S. Attorney's Office works with state and local law enforcement to determine whether federal charges are appropriate.
Gamguly said the U.S. Attorney's Office has not made any promises to Sage or the other defendants about whether their state guilty pleas could affect potential federal charges.
The defense hopes Sage's decision to accept responsibility will be considered when federal prosecutors determine whether to pursue the death penalty, Gamguly said.
There is no timeline for when, or whether, federal charges will be filed. Gamguly said the ultimate decision on a federal death penalty prosecution would be made by the U.S. attorney in Washington, D.C.
What happens next?
Sage's sentencing hearing is scheduled for November.
Arzuaga and Quijano are scheduled to return to court in September for their sentencing hearings. No sentencing date has been set for Motyka.
Thomas Eaves, Kimberly Sochia and Patrick Goodwin, the three remaining defendants charged in connection with Nordquist's death, are scheduled to go to trial in early 2027.
—Madison Scott is a New York Connect reporter, covering entertainment, breaking and consumer news, and trending topics with a focus on stories that matter to readers across New York State. She also has an interest in how the system helps or doesn't helpfamilies with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@USATodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: 4th defendant pleads guilty in Sam Nordquist murder case. What happens next?
