Former fraternity leader at Arizona university sentenced to prison after pledge dies from alcohol poisoning.
A former fraternity leader at Northern Arizona University has been sentenced to two months in jail for his involvement in a hazing incident that led to the tragic death of an 18-year-old pledge. Carter Eslick, who held the position of pledge master within the Delta Tau Delta fraternity, also received three years of supervised probation during a sentencing hearing that took place on Wednesday at Coconino County Superior Court.
Eslick’s sentencing follows his guilty plea to a felony hazing charge related to the death of Colin Daniel Martinez on January 31, which occurred at an off-campus location. According to an autopsy report, Martinez died from alcohol poisoning, with a staggering blood-alcohol content of 0.425%, exceeding the legal limit for drivers over the age of 21 in Arizona by more than five times.
Court documents revealed that Martinez was among a group of four pledges who consumed two bottles of vodka in a misguided attempt to induce vomiting. Witnesses recounted how they attempted to adjust Martinez’s sleeping position and monitor his breathing and pulse throughout the night, looking for signs of severe alcohol intoxication.
Martinez’s parents, who attended the court proceedings remotely, expressed their profound grief over their son’s death and articulated a desire for accountability and reform within Greek life organizations at universities. They stress the necessity of systemic changes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker remarked that no legal penalties can alleviate the suffering inflicted on the Martinez family. He emphasized the importance of this case serving as a cautionary tale about the severe dangers of hazing, advocating for individuals to voice concerns and intervene to prevent future incidents.
Judge Stacy Krueger noted Eslick’s awareness of the potential harms associated with their actions and expressed disappointment in the lack of intervention from others present during the incident. Eslick’s probation conditions stipulate that he must deliver 305 anti-hazing presentations and abstain from consuming alcohol or drugs unless prescribed. Failure to comply with these conditions could result in additional jail time.
In response to the events leading to Martinez’s untimely death, Northern Arizona University suspended the Delta Tau Delta fraternity, which ultimately resulted in the closure of its chapter by the national fraternity organization. The case underscores the ongoing challenges surrounding hazing culture within collegiate settings, highlighting the urgent need for stronger preventive measures and educational programs aimed at protecting students.
