Former Fraternity Leader Pleads Guilty to Hazing in Death of Pledge

A former leader of a fraternity at Northern Arizona University (NAU) has pleaded guilty to hazing that resulted in the death of a pledge. On Monday, Carter Eslick, 20, acknowledged his involvement in the incident that led to the death of 18-year-old Colin Daniel Martinez. This plea was entered in Coconino County Superior Court located in Flagstaff.

Eslick faces a felony hazing charge under an agreement with prosecutors, which stipulates that he will receive no more than four years of probation. Additionally, the judge might impose up to a year in jail at the sentencing hearing set for September 30.

Martinez was pledging to the now-closed Delta Tau Delta fraternity chapter at NAU when he was discovered unresponsive on January 31. According to an autopsy report, his blood-alcohol level registered at 0.425%, a figure indicating a life-threatening condition.

Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker remarked that the plea does not reduce the significant harm caused or alleviate the sorrow felt by Colin’s death.

The Associated Press reached out to Eslick’s attorney, Burges McCowan, via email and voicemail on Monday, seeking comment. They also attempted to contact the attorney representing Martinez’s family.

At the time of the incident, Eslick served as the fraternity’s pledge master, responsible for integrating new recruits. He is no longer enrolled at NAU. Court documents reveal that Martinez and three other pledges consumed two bottles of vodka during the event to the point of vomiting. Witnesses noted efforts to reposition Martinez for optimal breathing and frequently checked his pulse and respiration for signs of alcohol poisoning throughout the night.

Following Martinez’s death, the university suspended the Delta Tau Delta fraternity, and the national organization subsequently dissolved the chapter at NAU.