FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (TCN) — A 21-year-old man has been sentenced to two months in jail for his role in a fraternity pledge’s alcohol-related hazing death.
According to the Flagstaff Police Department, officers responded to a report of an unresponsive 18-year-old male on Jan. 31 at approximately 8:45 a.m. Officers provided lifesaving measures to the man, later identified as Colin Martinez, until paramedics arrived, but he was unable to be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene.
An investigation learned that the previous evening, the victim was a pledge, or new member, of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. The previous night, he had taken part an initiation event for new members. The Associated Press reported at the time that the new members passed around large bottles of vodka to ensure that they vomited.
Carter Eslick, Ryan Creech, and Riley Cass, all executive board members of the fraternity, were arrested in connection with Martinez’s death, according to police. They were all 20 years old at the time.
Court documents obtained by the AP allege that Martinez was placed onto an air mattress after the event, and that Cass remained near him until approximately 6 a.m. on Jan. 31. Witnesses alleged that they heard Martinez snoring at about 3 a.m. and that others looked up the symptoms of alcohol poisoning online.
Arizona’s Family reports Eslick was sentenced on Sept. 30 to two months in jail followed by three years of probation for his role in Martinez’s death. He pleaded guilty to one count of hazing to receive probation rather than prison time.
Eslick’s defense testified that he served as the event’s designated driver and left the party at 11 p.m. on Jan. 30, but he provided the alcohol consumed.
According to Arizona’s Family, Eslick told the court, “I am so incredibly deeply sorry for the events that happened on Jan. 31, and I take full responsibility for the hand I played in that ritual…And if I had known that one day somebody’s life could be in my hands, there is no way in hell I would have ever looked that way.”
Martinez’ obituary reads, “His laughter, smile, and love will be carried in our hearts forever….Rest in peace, sweet boy.”
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