The student voice of Washington State University since 1895

The Daily Evergreen

The student voice of Washington State University since 1895

The Daily Evergreen

The student voice of Washington State University since 1895

The Daily Evergreen

Sam Martinez died Nov. 12, 2019, after participating in a Big-Little reveal night with members of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.

Increase in legal penalties for hazing reaches second bid

KASSANDRA VOGEL, Evergreen reporter February 8, 2023

Every time Jolayne Houtz recounts the story of her son Sam’s death, it breaks her heart all over again.  However, she feels a responsibility to continue to tell it. “Maybe [Sam’s] story...

Sam Martinez died Nov. 12, 2019, after participating in a Big-Little reveal night with members of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.

Anniversary of Sam Martinez’s death approaches

FRANKIE BEER, Evergreen news editor November 11, 2022

Saturday marks the anniversary of Sam Martinez's death. Three years ago, the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity threw a “family drink night,” in which older members brought pledges large quantities of alcohol,...

Sam Martinez died Nov. 12, 2019, after participating in a Big-Little reveal night with members of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.

Students, police in favor of anti-hazing bill currently in Senate

ALEXANDRIA OSBORNE, Editor-in-chief March 3, 2022

House Bill 1758, which would increase the penalties for hazing on college campuses, passed the Washington State Senate Ways and Means Committee with amendments Monday. This means the bill is on its way...

Sam Martinez died Nov. 12, 2019, after participating in a Big-Little reveal night with members of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.

’60 Minutes’ episode reports on Sam Martinez’s hazing death

EMMA LEDBETTER, Evergreen news editor November 28, 2021

A “60 Minutes” episode focusing on the hazing death of WSU freshman Sam Martinez will air at 7 p.m. today on CBS.  Martinez died of acute alcohol intoxication on Nov. 12, 2019, following an Alpha...

Sam Martinez died Nov. 12, 2019, after participating in a Big-Little reveal night with members of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.

Greek chapters honor anniversary of Sam Martinez’s death with dry weekend

ANNA MICHALSON, Evergreen reporter November 15, 2021

Two years later after Sam Martinez's death, the WSU Greek community is finding ways to honor his memory and keep the tragedy in the forefront of students’ minds by putting on a “dry” weekend.  Martinez,...

Sam Martinez, pictured here, died Nov. 12, 2019, after participating in a Big-Little Night with members of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity.

Fifteen people charged in connection with Sam Martinez’s death

EMMA LEDBETTER, Evergreen news editor June 9, 2021

Fifteen individuals were charged with furnishing liquor to a minor in connection with the death of Sam Martinez in 2019.  Furnishing liquor to a minor is a gross misdemeanor in Washington state....

Whitman County Prosecutor Denis Tracy received the investigative report from Pullman PD and is reviewing it. He has not reached a charging decision yet.

Police recommend charges for seven individuals involved in Sam Martinez’s death

On the morning of Nov. 12, 2019, WSU freshman Sam Martinez was transported by the Pullman Police Department to a local funeral home in a locked body bag. Fraternity members found his body cold and discolored...

Sam Martinez was a 19-year-old WSU student. He was empathetic and loyal to those he knew.

Family, friends of Sam Martinez commemorate his life one year after death

EMMA LEDBETTER and LOREN NEGRON November 12, 2020

Fall is a difficult season for Jolayne Houtz and Hector Martinez. On Oct. 3, they celebrated their son Sam Martinez’s 20th birthday, and today marks the first anniversary of his death. “Our family...

WSU Freshman Sam Martinez passed away in November 2019 at the ATO fraternity house from acute alcohol intoxication.

Parents of Sam Martinez sue WSU, Alpha Tau Omega, fraternity members

EMMA LEDBETTER, Evergreen news editor August 17, 2020

Alpha Tau Omega fraternity's six-year suspension is only a slap on the wrist compared to the loss Jolayne Houtz and her family will deal with for the rest of their lives, she said. “He was full of...

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