Justice for Sam Nordquist
Crime Salad
03/29/25
•42m
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What really happened in Room 22 of Patty’s Lodge in the quiet town of Canandaigua, New York?
When 24-year-old Sam Nordquist boarded a flight to meet someone he’d connected with online, he carried with him nothing but hope. Known by everyone who loved him as kind-hearted and genuine, Sam was looking forward to the possibility of something real — a new chapter in life and maybe even love.
But what was waiting for him in New York was not what it seemed. What unfolded next would become the most painful and unjust chapter of his life — and a nightmare his family is still trying to understand.
In this episode, we share Sam’s story: a young man led by trust and warmth, a family forever changed, and a search for truth that refuses to be silenced. This is a story of betrayal, heartbreak, and a community demanding justice.
Justice for Sam Nordquist
.
Important links supporting this case:
Justice for Sam Nordquist Gofundme: https://gofund.me/86190ffa
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is here to help. Connect with a trained advocate 24/7 for free, confidential support.
*Please be careful when accessing the website — it has a quick exit feature, but it may still appear in your browser history. If you're concerned for your safety, consider calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or texting "START" to 88788 instead.
🖥️ Chat online at thehotline.org
📞 Call 800.799.7233
📱 Text START to 88788
Help is always available. You deserve to be safe.
Thanks to our sponsors!
Kikoff: Build credit fast and get your first month for just a dollar at GetKikoff.com/crimesalad Thanks to Kikoff for sponsoring us!
Lume: Get 15% off your first order at LumeDeodorant.com with code CRIMESALAD—stay fresh, dry, and confident from head to toe!
When 24-year-old Sam Nordquist boarded a flight to meet someone he’d connected with online, he carried with him nothing but hope. Known by everyone who loved him as kind-hearted and genuine, Sam was looking forward to the possibility of something real — a new chapter in life and maybe even love.
But what was waiting for him in New York was not what it seemed. What unfolded next would become the most painful and unjust chapter of his life — and a nightmare his family is still trying to understand.
In this episode, we share Sam’s story: a young man led by trust and warmth, a family forever changed, and a search for truth that refuses to be silenced. This is a story of betrayal, heartbreak, and a community demanding justice.
Justice for Sam Nordquist
.
Important links supporting this case:
Justice for Sam Nordquist Gofundme: https://gofund.me/86190ffa
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is here to help. Connect with a trained advocate 24/7 for free, confidential support.
*Please be careful when accessing the website — it has a quick exit feature, but it may still appear in your browser history. If you're concerned for your safety, consider calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or texting "START" to 88788 instead.
🖥️ Chat online at thehotline.org
📞 Call 800.799.7233
📱 Text START to 88788
Help is always available. You deserve to be safe.
Thanks to our sponsors!
Kikoff: Build credit fast and get your first month for just a dollar at GetKikoff.com/crimesalad Thanks to Kikoff for sponsoring us!
Lume: Get 15% off your first order at LumeDeodorant.com with code CRIMESALAD—stay fresh, dry, and confident from head to toe!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Previous Episode
The Fire That Freed Him: Kimberly Sullivan’s House of Horror
March 22, 2025
•43m
A desperate 32-year-old man who risked everything to escape the nightmare he'd been trapped in for years.
His prison: a locked room inside a quiet house in Waterbury, Connecticut. Starved, abused, and neglected, he weighed just 68 pounds—less than the average 10-year-old. With no way out and no hope left, he made a final, desperate choice: he set his room on fire. Using only a lighter, hand sanitizer, and paper, he sparked the blaze that could either end his life—or save it.
It triggered a race against time as firefighters rushed to a home no one suspected was hiding a horror story. Kimberly Sullivan, his stepmother, is now charged with imprisoning him for over two decades—but she denies everything. Her attorneys claim there’s no real evidence tying her to the abuse.
This man lost decades of his life—hidden from the world, voiceless. But now, his story is being told.
If you're worried a child may be experiencing abuse, help is available. Contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline by calling or texting 800-422-4453, or visit childhelphotline.org to chat with a live crisis counselor. They're available 24/7 to listen, offer support, and guide you on the next steps. You don't have to face this alone — someone is always ready to help.
Sponsors for this episode!
LUME: Get over 40% off Lume’s Starter Pack plus free shipping with code CRIMESALAD at LumeDeodorant.com—smell great everywhere!
SHOPIFY: Start your $1/month trial and upgrade your business at shopify.com/crimesalad
His prison: a locked room inside a quiet house in Waterbury, Connecticut. Starved, abused, and neglected, he weighed just 68 pounds—less than the average 10-year-old. With no way out and no hope left, he made a final, desperate choice: he set his room on fire. Using only a lighter, hand sanitizer, and paper, he sparked the blaze that could either end his life—or save it.
It triggered a race against time as firefighters rushed to a home no one suspected was hiding a horror story. Kimberly Sullivan, his stepmother, is now charged with imprisoning him for over two decades—but she denies everything. Her attorneys claim there’s no real evidence tying her to the abuse.
This man lost decades of his life—hidden from the world, voiceless. But now, his story is being told.
If you're worried a child may be experiencing abuse, help is available. Contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline by calling or texting 800-422-4453, or visit childhelphotline.org to chat with a live crisis counselor. They're available 24/7 to listen, offer support, and guide you on the next steps. You don't have to face this alone — someone is always ready to help.
Sponsors for this episode!
LUME: Get over 40% off Lume’s Starter Pack plus free shipping with code CRIMESALAD at LumeDeodorant.com—smell great everywhere!
SHOPIFY: Start your $1/month trial and upgrade your business at shopify.com/crimesalad
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Next Episode
Truth Behind the Headlines: Natalia Grace
April 6, 2025
•41m
Natalia Grace was once described as a child straight out of a horror movie — a Ukrainian orphan accused of lying about her age, abandoned by her adoptive family, and cast into a storm of suspicion and media frenzy. But behind the headlines is a real child who endured abuse, neglect, and deep betrayal. In this episode, we look past the sensationalism to tell Natalia’s story.
We explore how a vulnerable young girl became the subject of national speculation and what her case reveals about the systems that failed her.
Content warning: This episode includes discussions of child abuse, neglect, and abandonment. Listener discretion is advised.
Get ad-free episodes when you subscribe on Apple Podcasts or support us on Patreon.
Check out crimesalad.shop for Crime Salad Merch!!
We explore how a vulnerable young girl became the subject of national speculation and what her case reveals about the systems that failed her.
Content warning: This episode includes discussions of child abuse, neglect, and abandonment. Listener discretion is advised.
Get ad-free episodes when you subscribe on Apple Podcasts or support us on Patreon.
Check out crimesalad.shop for Crime Salad Merch!!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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