Former University of Arizona fraternity leader gets prison time after Pledge dies of alcohol poisoning

flagpole — A former leader of a Northern Arizona University fraternity was sentenced Wednesday to two months in prison for his role in a hazing incident that resulted in the death of a pledge.

Carter Eslick, 20, was also sentenced to three years of supervised probation during a sentencing hearing in Coconino County Superior Court. Eslick had pleaded guilty to a charge of criminal hazing in the Jan. 31 death of Colin Daniel Martinez, 18, at an off-campus house.

An autopsy revealed that Martinez died of alcohol poisoning with a blood alcohol level of 0.425% – more than five times the state legal limit for drivers aged 21 and over.

Martinez was among four Delta Tau Delta pledges who shared two bottles of vodka to make sure they vomited, according to court documents. Witnesses reported adjusting Martinez’s sleeping position and checking his pulse and breathing for signs of alcohol intoxication throughout the night, according to the documents.

Martinez’s parents appeared in court remotely, still grieving their son, and said they wanted accountability and reform in Greek life, CBS Phoenix affiliate KPHO-TV reported.

Eslick was the fraternity’s pledge master at the time and was responsible for welcoming new members.

The hearing began with testimony from five of Eslick’s friends and family members who attested to his character while warning of the dangers of fraternity culture, KPHO noted.

“As I tried to teach my children these things, I realized that I had failed to teach them or explain to them, and in those gaps came toxic influences and toxic communities,” said Cody Eslick, Carter’s father.

Carter Eslick apologized to Martinez’s family, KPHO said.

“I am incredibly deeply sorry for the events that occurred on January 31 and I take full responsibility for the hand I played during this ritual,” Eslick said. “And if I had known that one day someone’s life could be in my hands, I would never have looked like this.”

Coconino County Prosecutor Ammon Barker said no amount of punishment could undo the harm done to the Martinez family.

“I hope this case helps people understand the serious dangers of hazing and encourages them to speak out and intervene before another family suffers this kind of loss,” Barker said in a statement.

Judge Stacy Krueger said Eslick knew what he did was dangerous and was troubled that no one objected.

Eslick could face additional prison time if he fails to fulfill the conditions of probation, which include creating and presenting 305 anti-hazing presentations and keeping the court informed of his progress. He also cannot consume alcohol or drugs unless prescribed.

The university suspended the fraternity after Martinez’s death, and the national organization subsequently closed the NAU chapter.