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 in the basement of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity.
Almost a year and a half later, Pullman PD completed its investigation into the circumstances surrounding Martinez’s death.
Pullman PD recommended charges of hazing or furnishing liquor to a minor for seven Alpha Tau Omega fraternity members, according to Pullman PD’s summary of facts.
The entire report that was forwarded to the prosecutor was much longer, said Pullman PD Cmdr. Jake Opgenorth.
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Pullman police chief explains delays in investigation into WSU student s death
Pullman police are recommending charges of hazing and furnishing liquor to a minor. But hazing cannot be prosecuted due to the statute of limitations. Author: Megan Carroll, Ian Smay Published: 2:33 PM PST February 24, 2021 Updated: 7:33 PM PST February 25, 2021
PULLMAN, Wash. The Pullman Police Department is not recommending a manslaughter charge after the 2019 death of 19-year-old Washington State University freshman Samuel Martinez.
Whitman County Coroner Annie Pillers ruled that Martinez, who was from Bellevue, died of “acute alcohol intoxication, otherwise known as alcohol poisoning. The manner of his death was accidental.
Death of WSU freshman Sam Martinez: Police release findings krem.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from krem.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
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The Pullman Police Department responded to five suicide-related incidents during Valentine’s weekend, one of which resulted in a death
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“We’re really on the frontline of dealing with these mental health issues,” said Pullman PD Cmdr. Jake Opgenorth. “And it’s only going up.”
Pullman PD is investigating one death by suicide and transported four individuals who attempted suicide to Pullman Regional Hospital, he said.
The four individuals taken to the hospital include two females in their 20s, a male in his 20s and another adult female, Opgenorth said.