Prosecutors say there’s no evidence so far that torture and killing of missing man was a hate crime
Associated PressCANANDAIGUA, N.Y. — Investigators have not yet found evidence that the torture and killing of a transgender man whose body was discarded in an upstate New York field was a hate crime, law enforcement officials said. In a statement released Sunday, the Ontario County District Attorney’s Office said, “His assailants were known to each other, identified as LGBTQ+, and at least one of the defendants lived with Sam in the time period leading up to the instant offense.” “We urge the community not to speculate into the motive behind the murder as we work to find justice for Sam,” the statement says. “At this time, we have no indication that Sam’s murder was a hate crime.” Under New York state law, a hate crime is an offense committed “in whole or in substantial part” because of a belief or perception regarding race, gender, gender identity and other identifiers. “That’s all Sam ever wanted, was to be loved and to be in a relationship,” Linda Nordquist told the news site, describing him as trusting and loving.
History of this topic
Man treated 'like a dog' before murder in upstate New York, prosecutor says
Hindustan Times
Sam Nordquist was subjected to weeks of torture before murder, prosecutors say
CNN
2 more people have been charged in the killing of a transgender man in upstate New York
CNN
Police find body of transgender man they say was tortured for more than a month
The Independent
Sam Nordquist: 5 charged for allegedly torturing, killing Minnesota trans man
CNN
Sam Nordquist: 5 charged for allegedly torturing, killing Minnesota trans man
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