SGB Attorney Becky Roe argues that Washington State University was responsible in the death of Sam Martinez, a freshman from Bellevue, WA who died from hazing while pledging his fraternity in 2019

Becky Roe of Schroeter Goldmark & Bender in Seattle recently presented an argument before the Washington Supreme Court in the case seeking justice for Sam Martinez, a Washington State University (WSU) freshman from Bellevue, Washington, who died in a hazing incident while pledging his fraternity in 2019.

See the coverage on KING 5 here.

In January 2025, the Washington Court of Appeals ruled that Washington State University can be found liable Sam’s death – a decision that could set forth critical precedent for institutional accountability in hazing cases.

WSU is seeking to reverse the January ruling, arguing that it cannot be held accountable for the actions of students off its campus.

Roe argued before the Supreme Court that the university had long been aware of hazing activities within its fraternities yet failed to take action to prevent it – inaction that ultimately led to Sam’s tragic death.

SGB is honored to represent Sam’s family as they continue their pursuit of justice and work to prevent future tragedies through state and federal anti-hazing laws.

Watch the argument here.