Precious Arzuaga, one of seven people charged in the torture and killing of 24-year-old Sam Nordquist, is scheduled to appear in Ontario County Court on Friday, raising questions about whether she could enter a guilty plea ahead of her planned trial.
Kayla Nordquist, Sam Nordquist’s sister, said the family was told by the Ontario County District Attorney’s Office that Arzuaga is expected to plead guilty to all charges against her.
“As you may be aware, Precious is expected to change her plea to GUILTY on Friday, June 26th, 2026, at 9:00 am,” Linda Nordquist, Sam Nordquist’s mother, wrote in a Facebook post. “As my family prepares for this, we would appreciate your prayers for safe travels as we will be there to hear the plea ourselves.”
Ontario County District Attorney Jason MacBride declined to comment on the nature of the proceeding on Friday.
David Pilato, Arzuaga’s attorney, declined to comment ahead of Friday’s hearing.
Arzuaga, 38, was previously scheduled to go to trial Aug. 31.
What charges is Arzuaga facing?
According to Nordquist’s family, Arzuaga, 38, is expected to plead guilty to all 11 charges related to Nordquist’s death.
The charges include:
Allegations in the case
Prosecutors said Nordquist traveled from Minnesota to New York in September 2024 after meeting Arzuaga on TikTok, where the two began a relationship. He was staying at Patty’s Lodge in Ontario County for what was supposed to be a short visit, but never returned home, according to his family.
Investigators allege that between January and February 2025, Arzuaga and six co-defendants tortured Nordquist for weeks before killing him and disposing of his body in a field in Yates County.
Prosecutors also alleged Arzuaga coerced her two young children into participating in the abuse. She is the only defendant charged with first-degree coercion counts.
Other defendants in the case
Six other people are charged in connection with the case:
Motyka, 20, pleaded guilty June 2 to second-degree murder and second-degree kidnapping. In court, she admitted participating in repeated assaults on Nordquist and helping restrain him at Patty’s Lodge. She waived her right to appeal and is not eligible for bail.
Her sentencing is pending.
Family expected to attend court
Nordquist’s family said they are traveling from Minnesota to New York for Friday’s court appearance.
The case remains ongoing, and it is not yet clear whether other defendants will also enter guilty pleas. Trials for Sage, Goodwin and Quijano are scheduled for 2026.
—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: Will key figure in Canandaigua TikTok romance case plead? Hearing set
Reporting by Madison Scott, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Madison Scott, New York Connect Team | USA TODAY Network
