Precious Arzuaga, 40, and Jennifer Quijano, 32, have been sentenced to life in prison without parole after pleading guilty to first-degree murder in the 2025 killing of 24-year-old Sam Nordquist. Arzuaga also pleaded guilty to kidnapping, aggravated sexual abuse, conspiracy and other charges, while Quijano pleaded guilty to all counts against her.
Nordquist traveled from Minnesota to New York after meeting Arzuaga online and never boarded his scheduled return flight. During sentencing, prosecutors described Arzuaga as the ringleader and alleged that jealousy over Nordquist’s romantic relationship with Arzuaga motivated Quijano, Arzuaga’s ex-girlfriend. Other defendants connected to the case have either pleaded guilty or are awaiting trial.