KTOE Noon News 2-17-25
Top Stories for Noon 2-17-25
- Five people are charged with the disappearance, torture and murder of a transgender man in upstate New York. Sam Nordquist, originally from Minnesota, traveled to the Finger Lakes region in September to meet his online girlfriend. His family says they lost contact with him and reported him missing earlier this month. State Police determined Nordquist was living with one of the suspects and others in Ontario County, and the 24-year-old was found dead in a field on February 12th. Investigators say he had endured physical and psychological abuse for months. State Police Captain Kelly Swift said it’s “one of the most horrific crimes” she’s ever investigated, and Governor Kathy Hochul called it sickening. Prosecutors say there’s no indication that Nordquist’s murder was a hate crime.
- Police in southern Minnesota are investigating a weekend shooting that left one man dead and another wounded in Austin. Officers say they found a man injured Saturday afternoon and provided first aid, but he died at the scene. Investigators say another victim was taken to the hospital by private vehicle. Authorities have not announced any arrests in the shootings. The Minnesota B-C-A is assisting local officials with the investigation.
