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Judge Sentences Precious Arzuaga to Life Without Parole

9/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. Judge Kristina Karle sentenced Precious Arzuaga to life without parole for Sam Nordquist’s murder.
Arzuaga pleaded guilty on June 26 to first-degree murder, kidnapping, conspiracy, child endangerment, coercion and sexual abuse.
She received a 25-to-life term for kidnapping and a 25-year term for aggravated sexual abuse.
Sam Nordquist, a 24-year-old transgender man from Minnesota, was tortured Jan 1–Feb 2 2025 and found Feb 13.

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Story summary

U.S. Judge Kristina Karle sentenced Precious Arzuaga to life without parole for Sam Nordquist’s murder.
Arzuaga pleaded guilty on June 26 to first-degree murder, kidnapping, conspiracy, child endangerment, coercion and sexual abuse.
She received a 25-to-life term for kidnapping and a 25-year term for aggravated sexual abuse.
Sam Nordquist, a 24-year-old transgender man from Minnesota, was tortured Jan 1–Feb 2 2025 and found Feb 13.