The woman prosecutors described as the ringleader in the monthlong torture and killing of a 24-year-old Red Wing man pleaded guilty Friday to all charges against her in an upstate New York courtroom.
Precious Arzuaga, 40, admitted to first-degree murder, kidnapping, aggravated sexual abuse and eight other counts in connection with the 2025 death of Sam Nordquist, a transgender man originally from Red Wing who lived in Oakdale. Under the plea, Arzuaga faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
“What Ms. Arzuaga admitted to today is pure evil, and our hearts go out to Sam’s family,” Ontario County District Attorney Jason MacBride said in a statement. “This plea results in the defendant receiving a sentence of life without the possibility of parole. Hopefully, that assurance provides a small level of comfort to Sam’s family and our community.”…