Fraternity leader indicted for hazing in university student’s alcohol poisoning

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AZFamily/Gray News) — A former university fraternity leader has been indicted in Arizona nearly two months after a student died from alcohol poisoning at a house party.

The Coconino County Attorney’s Office announced Friday that a grand jury indicted 20-year-old Carter Thomas Eslick on one felony count of hazing in connection with the death of 18-year-old Northern Arizona University student, Colin Daniel Martinez.

“The loss of a young person is always a tragedy,” Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker said. “Our hearts are with Colin Martinez’s family, and we will diligently pursue this case toward a resolution.”

Just before 9 a.m. on Jan. 31, police responded to reports of an unresponsive person at a home near Pine Knoll Drive and Lone Tree Road. Bystanders were already performing CPR on Martinez when first responders arrived, but he died at the scene.

Police found several vodka bottles and Twisted Teas in the area.

Investigators learned Martinez attended an invite-only rush event at the home the night before, which was an off-campus residence for the Delta Tau Delta fraternity.

Pledges were allegedly forced to drink large amounts of vodka

According to court documents, a fraternity pledge told police that he and three other pledges were brought to the party with pillowcases over their heads and told to play a drinking game. The four were given a “handle of vodka” and told to finish it together.

Another bottle was then reportedly given to pledges after they finished the first to ensure they vomited. In all, investigators believe the four drank about 3.5 liters of vodka.

Martinez was last heard from sometime between 11 p.m. and midnight and was later seen lying unresponsive on an air mattress with an “unusual snore breath.” Others at the party began searching Google for signs of alcohol poisoning around 3 a.m., investigators said, but police weren’t called until hours later.

Arrests followed investigation into fraternity chapter

Three Delta Tau Delta executive board members were initially arrested during the investigation, including Eslick, the chapter’s new member educator. The NAU chapter was shut down in February.

An autopsy report released in March found that Martinez died from alcohol poisoning. His blood-alcohol level was 0.425, which is more than five times the legal limit.

Flagstaff police submitted evidence to the Coconino County Attorney’s Office for review, which was then presented to a grand jury. The charge alleges that Eslick “intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly caused or coerced Colin Martinez to consume substances posing a substantial risk of death, resulting in his death.”

Attorney says hazing can lead to additional charges

Arizona defines hazing as forcing or pressuring a student to engage in an activity to remain part of a group when the activity could put that student at risk of injury, emotional harm or death.

Brenna Fisher, a criminal defense attorney with the Law Offices of David Black, said hazing charges can accompany other serious charges.

“If someone dies as a result of hazing, you can be charged with murder for the death, but then you can also be charged with hazing for the conduct that led to the death,” Fisher said.

Fisher said hazing is not something anyone can consent to.

“So even if you say to your pledges for example, ‘You don’t have to participate. Wink, wink,’ you will still be charged,” Fisher said.

Fisher said bystanders could avoid criminal charges by seeking immediate medical attention.

“That part of the statute is to encourage people to be honest about things when they happen and maybe when things go too far,” Fisher said.

Two other fraternity members were previously arrested. The Coconino County Attorney’s Office said in a statement that “after an independent review of the evidence and law, one individual—Carter Eslick—was indicted.”

“I’m not able to comment on charging decisions beyond what is reflected in the public record, including any potential or future charges involving other individuals,” Barker said.