‘Full responsibility’: Fraternity pledge master sentenced to jail in hazing death of 18-year-old due to alcohol poisoning

Carter Eslick, a 20-year-old former Northern Arizona University fraternity leader, was sentenced to two months in jail for his role in the hazing death of 18-year-old Colin Daniel Martinez. Eslick also received three years of supervised probation in Coconino County Superior Court, following his guilty plea to a felony hazing charge.

Martinez's death occurred on January 31st after he participated in a fraternity hazing ritual at an off-campus house. An autopsy revealed that Martinez had died from alcohol poisoning, with a blood-alcohol content of 0.425%, more than five times the legal limit for drivers over 21. It was reportedly agreed among the pledges to share two bottles of vodka to induce vomiting and ensure they experienced symptoms of alcohol poisoning.

During the sentencing hearing, Martinez's grieving parents appeared remotely in court, seeking accountability and reform within Greek life. Eslick took full responsibility for his actions, apologizing to the Martinez family.

According to Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker, no sentence can compensate for the harm caused to the Martinez family. He emphasized the urgent need for people to speak up and intervene before another family suffers a similar loss, hoping that this case serves as a warning about the dangers of hazing.

Judge Stacy Krueger noted that Eslick knew his actions were dangerous and was concerned that no one spoke out against it. As part of his probation, Eslick must create and deliver 305 anti-hazing presentations and report his progress to the court. Additionally, he is prohibited from consuming alcohol or drugs unless prescribed.

Following Martinez's death, Northern Arizona University suspended the fraternity, and the national organization later closed the NAU chapter.