5 Charged in Murder of Missing Minnesota Man in New York

This undated photo provided by the New York State Police shows Sam Nordquist. Nordquist, a 24-year-old missing transgender man, died after enduring prolonged physical and psychological abuse over a month by multiple individuals who later discarded his body in a field, in Canandaigua, N.Y., according to New York State Police. (New York State Police via AP)

Rochester, NY – Five people face second-degree murder charges for the killing of a transgender man from Minnesota near Rochester, New York.

24-year-old Sam Nordquist of Oakdale was reported missing by family February 9th and his body was found in a field last Thursday in Yates County. Law enforcement officials say Nordquist was subjected to long periods of torture include physical and sexual abuse that resulted in his death.

New York State Police said Nordquist and the five suspects knew each other and at this time have no indication that Sam’s murder was a hate crime. Nordquist attended Red Wing High School and he will be remembered during a vigil tonight (February 17th, 7pm) in Central Park.