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Murderer Pleads Guilty in Transgender Man's Killing
2 Jun
Summary
- Emily Motyka pleads guilty to murder and kidnapping charges.
- Motyka faces a lengthy prison sentence from 15 years to life.
- Seven individuals were charged in connection with Sam Nordquist's death.

Emily Motyka, a 20-year-old defendant, has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and second-degree kidnapping. This plea is in connection with the death of Sam Nordquist, a 24-year-old transgender man whose body was discovered in Yates County in February.
As part of her plea agreement, Motyka relinquished her right to appeal and is ineligible for bail. She faces a significant prison sentence, ranging from a minimum of 15 years to life up to 50 years to life.
Motyka is one of seven individuals accused in Nordquist's death. The group allegedly tortured and killed Nordquist at Patty's Lodge in Ontario County. Charges filed against the defendants include murder, kidnapping, aggravated sexual abuse, conspiracy, and concealment of a human corpse.
Ontario County Judge Kristina Karle previously ruled that the defendants will be tried individually. The prosecution continues for the remaining defendants in this case.