Ex-Fraternity Leader Admits Guilt in Fatal Hazing Incident at Northern Arizona University
A tragic event unfolded at Northern Arizona University when a fraternity pledge lost his life due to excessive drinking. Carter Eslick, a former leader of the now-defunct Delta Tau Delta fraternity chapter, has admitted to his role in this unfortunate incident.
On Monday, Eslick, 20, confessed to a felony hazing charge in connection with the death of 18-year-old Colin Daniel Martinez. The plea was entered in the Coconino County Superior Court located in Flagstaff.
As part of a plea deal with the prosecution, Eslick is expected to receive a probationary sentence not exceeding four years. However, the presiding judge at the upcoming September 30 sentencing hearing may also consider imposing up to a year in jail.
Martinez’s death occurred after a rush event held off-campus on January 31, where he was found unresponsive. The autopsy report revealed a dangerously high blood-alcohol level of 0.425%, which posed a life-threatening risk.
Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker emphasized that the plea deal does not lessen the impact of the “profound harm caused or the sorrow of Colin’s death.”
Efforts to reach Eslick’s lawyer, Burges McCowan, for comment were made by the Associated Press via email and voicemail. Additionally, the attorney for Martinez’s family received a phone message but did not respond.
Eslick, who was the pledge master responsible for integrating new fraternity members, is no longer enrolled at NAU. According to court documents, Martinez and three other pledges consumed two bottles of vodka with the intention of inducing vomiting. Throughout the night, witnesses reportedly monitored Martinez’s condition, adjusting his position and checking for signs of alcohol poisoning.
Following Martinez’s death, the university took action by suspending the fraternity, and the national organization subsequently shut down the NAU chapter of Delta Tau Delta.
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