FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — A Coconino County Grand Jury has indicted a Northern Arizona University fraternity member in connection with a deadly hazing incident earlier this year that claimed the life of an 18-year-old student.
According to the Coconino County Attorney’s Office, on March 27, 2026, a grand jury returned a felony indictment charging Carter Thomas Eslick with one count of hazing, a class 4 felony under Arizona law involving the consumption of a substance causing harm.
The indictment stems from an investigation by the Flagstaff Police Department into an incident that occurred the night of January 30 and into the early morning hours of January 31, 2026. The case involves the death of 18-year-old Colin Martinez, a student at Northern Arizona University.
During the initial stages of the investigation, three individuals — including Eslick, who was identified as a fraternity pledge master — were arrested on suspicion of hazing. All three were later released following initial court appearances.
Police continued investigating the case in the weeks that followed, conducting additional interviews and gathering further evidence before submitting the case to the County Attorney’s Office for review.
After reviewing the findings, prosecutors presented the case to a grand jury, which ultimately returned the indictment against Eslick.
According to the charge, Eslick is accused of intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing or coercing Martinez to consume substances as part of initiation or affiliation activities, creating a substantial risk of death and ultimately resulting in Martinez’s death.
“The loss of a young person is always a tragedy,” said Ammon Barker. “Our hearts are with Colin Martinez’s family, and we will diligently pursue this case toward a just resolution.”
An indictment is a formal charging document and indicates that probable cause exists. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The case will now move forward through arraignment and subsequent court proceedings. Prosecutors say they are limited to discussing information contained in the public record and will not comment further.
The Coconino County Attorney’s Office extended its condolences to the family of Colin Martinez.
