Authorities have stated that there is currently no evidence to suggest that the torture and murder of a transgender man, whose remains were discovered last week in a field in upstate New York, was a hate crime.

On Sunday, law enforcement officials reported that some, or all, of the five individuals charged with murder in this case are members of the L.G.B.T.Q. community themselves.

The victim, identified as 24-year-old Sam Nordquist, was acquainted with the suspects, and at least one of them had previously resided with him in a motel, according to a joint statement from the New York State Police and Ontario County District Attorney James Ritts.

“We ask the community to refrain from speculation regarding the motives behind this tragic murder as we strive for justice for Sam,” the statement emphasized. “At this stage, there is no indication that Sam’s death was motivated by hatred.”

Following the announcement of Mr. Nordquist’s violent death, which one police officer described at a news conference as “one of the most horrific crimes I have ever investigated,” many questions arose regarding whether he was specifically targeted due to his transgender identity, according to statements made by Mr. Ritts and the State Police on Sunday. “We share the community’s profound concern over such a brutal act of violence and recognize the unease that exists among members of the L.G.B.T.Q.+ community,” the statement noted. “Our priority remains on ensuring accountability for those responsible and committing ourselves to a thorough investigation of Sam’s murder.”