FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — A grand jury has indicted the pledge master of a Northern Arizona University fraternity on felony hazing charges connected to the alcohol poisoning death of an 18-year-old student during a January rush event.
Carter Eslick faces accusations that he compelled or required the excessive drinking that resulted in Colin Daniel Martinez’s death on January 31 at a residence off campus.
Police discovered Martinez unconscious at the house after witnesses attempted to revive him with CPR. He was pronounced dead at the location.
Medical examination results showed Martinez succumbed to alcohol poisoning, with his blood alcohol content measuring 0.425% — exceeding Arizona’s legal driving threshold by more than five times and reaching levels typically associated with death.
“The loss of a young person is always a tragedy,” stated Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker.
Josh Blumenrich, who serves as Eslick’s legal counsel, has not responded to requests for comment.
While authorities detained two additional Delta Tau Delta fraternity members alongside Eslick following Martinez’s death, Friday’s indictment targeted only Eslick.
Officials have not disclosed whether prosecutors will pursue charges against the remaining two fraternity members through grand jury proceedings.
According to legal filings, Martinez was one of four fraternity prospects who consumed two vodka bottles with the expectation of becoming sick. Some observers indicated the alcohol may have been mixed with water.
Court records reveal that throughout the evening, witnesses repeatedly repositioned Martinez while he slept, monitored his vital signs, and researched alcohol poisoning warning signs online.
Following Martinez’s death, the university immediately suspended the fraternity chapter. The national Delta Tau Delta organization subsequently decided to permanently close the NAU chapter.
