One of the seven defendants charged in the killing of Sam Nordquist has pleaded guilty.
Emily Motyka, 20, pleaded guilty Tuesday, June 2, in Ontario County Court to second-degree murder and second-degree kidnapping in connection with the death of Nordquist, a 24-year-old transgender man whose body was found in Yates County in February.
As part of the plea agreement, Motyka waived her right to appeal and will not be eligible for bail.
A sentencing date was not announced.
Lengthy prison sentence possible
Under the terms outlined in court, Motyka faces a sentence ranging from 15 years to life on the low end to 50 years to life on the high end.
Additional details of the plea agreement were not immediately available Tuesday.
It was not immediately confirmed whether Motyka’s plea agreement includes a requirement that she testify against co-defendants in the case.
Seven defendants charged
Motyka is one of seven people charged in connection with Nordquist’s death.
The defendants — Motyka, Precious Arzuaga, Jennifer Quijano, Kyle Sage, Patrick Goodwin, Kimberly L. Sochia and Thomas Eaves — were accused of torturing and killing Nordquist at Patty’s Lodge in Ontario County.
The defendants face various felony charges, including murder, kidnapping, aggravated sexual abuse, conspiracy and concealment of a human corpse.
Separate trials planned
Earlier this year, Ontario County Judge Kristina Karle ruled that the defendants will be tried separately.
The remaining defendants continue to face prosecution.
Sam Nordquist murder case coverage
This story will be updated as additional details from the plea agreement and attorneys become available.
—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 help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@USATodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Emily Motyka pleads guilty to murder, kidnapping in Sam Nordquist killing
Reporting by Madison Scott, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
