Former Fraternity Leader Pleads Guilty in Hazing Death Case

A former fraternity leader from Northern Arizona University admitted guilt on Monday to hazing and causing the death of a pledge during an off-campus rush event. The case involves Carter Eslick, aged 20, who pleaded guilty to a felony hazing charge related to the death of Colin Daniel Martinez, 18. The hearing took place in Coconino County Superior Court in Flagstaff.

As part of a deal with prosecutors, Eslick could receive a sentence of up to four years of probation. The judge, however, retains the option to impose up to one year in jail at the sentencing scheduled for September 30.

Martinez, who was a pledge for the now-closed Delta Tau Delta fraternity at NAU, was discovered unresponsive on January 31. An autopsy reported his blood-alcohol level at 0.425%, which is deemed life-threatening.

Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker emphasized that the plea deal does not lessen the serious harm caused or the grief resulting from Colin’s death. The Associated Press contacted Eslick’s attorney, Burges McCowan, but received no immediate comment. Attempts to reach the attorney for Martinez’s family also went unreturned.

During this time, Eslick held the position of pledge master in the fraternity, tasked with integrating new members. He is no longer enrolled at NAU. Evidence from court documents reveals that Martinez, along with three others, consumed two bottles of vodka, a measure taken to induce vomiting.

Witnesses noted steps taken during the night to adjust Martinez’s position and monitor his pulse and breathing for signs of alcohol poisoning, as indicated in court files.

Following the incident, the university suspended the Delta Tau Delta fraternity, and the national organization subsequently shut down the NAU chapter.