Former Fraternity Leader Sentenced to Jail for Hazing-Related Death

A former Northern Arizona University fraternity leader was sentenced to two months in jail on Wednesday for his involvement in a hazing incident that resulted in the death of a pledge. Carter Eslick, 20, also received three years of supervised probation during a sentencing hearing in Coconino County Superior Court. Eslick had pleaded guilty to a felony hazing charge related to the January 31 death of Colin Daniel Martinez, 18, at an off-campus house. An autopsy determined that Martinez died of alcohol poisoning, with a blood-alcohol content of 0.425%, which is more than five times the legal limit for drivers aged 21 and over. According to court documents, Martinez was one of four Delta Tau Delta pledges who consumed two bottles of vodka to induce vomiting. Witnesses reported adjusting Martinez’s sleeping position and checking his pulse and breathing for signs of alcohol poisoning throughout the night. Martinez’s parents attended the court session remotely and expressed their desire for accountability and reform within Greek life, as reported by Phoenix television station azfamily.com. Eslick, who was the fraternity’s pledge master, apologized to Martinez’s family and acknowledged his responsibility in the incident. Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker stated that no sentence could reverse the harm done to the Martinez family and expressed hope that this case would raise awareness about the dangers of hazing. Judge Stacy Krueger noted that Eslick was aware of the risks involved and was concerned that no one intervened. Eslick may face additional jail time if he fails to meet probation conditions, which include delivering 305 anti-hazing presentations and providing updates to the court on his progress. He is also prohibited from using alcohol or drugs unless prescribed. Following Martinez’s death, the university suspended the fraternity, and the national organization subsequently closed the NAU chapter.