Fraternity Hazing Incident at Northern Arizona University Leads to Tragic Consequences
A tragic incident involving a fraternity initiation ritual at Northern Arizona University has resulted in legal consequences for a former student. Carter Eslick, aged 20, has pled guilty to charges related to the hazing death of a fraternity pledge.
Colin Daniel Martinez, an 18-year-old, lost his life following a Delta Tau Delta fraternity event held off-campus. Eslick, who was serving as the pledge master for the fraternity’s now-defunct chapter, changed his plea in the Coconino County Superior Court earlier this week.
The prosecution accused Eslick of felony hazing, a Class 4 felony under Arizona law, due to the fatal consequences of the substance consumption involved. Typically, hazing is categorized as a Class 1 misdemeanor, but the charges escalate to a felony if a death occurs.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, Eslick may face up to four years of probation, with the possibility of a jail sentence lasting up to one year. His sentencing is slated for September 30.
According to official court documents, Martinez and three other fraternity candidates participated in a drinking game that involved consuming two bottles of vodka on January 30. Witnesses stated that Martinez was “heavily intoxicated” and was closely monitored throughout the night. Efforts were made to adjust his sleeping posture and monitor his vital signs as concerns about alcohol poisoning arose.
Tragically, Martinez was discovered unresponsive the following morning and was pronounced dead. An examination by the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that alcohol poisoning was the cause of death, with Martinez’s blood-alcohol concentration measured at 0.425%, significantly above the legal driving limit in the state.
Eslick faced arrest on the same day and was subsequently released on bail from the Coconino County Detention Facility. He is no longer enrolled at Northern Arizona University. Following Martinez’s death, the university suspended the fraternity, and the national organization permanently closed the chapter.
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