Seven Separate Trials Seek Justice for Oakdale Native's Murder

Oakdale family closely watches as seven defendants face trial for the killing of 24-year-old Sam Nordquist

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:08am

An extreme close-up photograph of a broken piece of glass reflecting a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the investigation into a violent crime.The separate trials for the seven defendants accused of murdering an Oakdale native aim to provide justice through a thorough investigation of the evidence.Oakdale Today

An Oakdale family is closely following the developments as seven people accused in the killing of 24-year-old Sam Nordquist will now be tried separately in New York. The trials are expected to start in September, with each lasting four to six weeks. Local readers may want to follow how the proceedings unfold for their former neighbor as court dates are finalized later this month.

Why it matters

The Nordquist family and the Oakdale community are seeking justice for the tragic loss of a young life. The separate trials will provide an opportunity for a thorough investigation and examination of the evidence, with the goal of holding the responsible parties accountable.

The details

The seven defendants will be tried individually in New York, with the trials expected to start in September and each lasting four to six weeks. This approach allows for a more focused examination of the evidence and individual culpability, rather than a single, complex trial.

  • The trials are expected to start in September 2026.
  • Each trial is expected to last four to six weeks.

The players

Sam Nordquist

A 24-year-old Oakdale native who was tragically killed.

Oakdale Family

The family of Sam Nordquist, who are closely following the developments in the case.

Seven Defendants

The individuals accused of killing Sam Nordquist, who will be tried separately in New York.

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What’s next

The court dates for the separate trials are expected to be finalized later this month, allowing the Oakdale community to follow the proceedings as they unfold.

The takeaway

The separate trials for the seven defendants accused of murdering Sam Nordquist provide an opportunity for a thorough investigation and a path to justice for the Oakdale native and his family. The community's close attention to the case reflects their desire to see the responsible parties held accountable.