3 more band members found guilty in FAMU hazing case
ORLANDO, Fla. - Jurors have convicted the last three defendants of manslaughter and hazing in the death of Florida A&M drum major Robert Champion, ending a three-year-old case that shined a light on ritualized hazing within the school's famed band.
The six-member jury deliberated for 2 1/2 hours Friday before reaching a verdict.
Benjamin McNamee, Darryl Cearnel and Aaron Golson were the final three defendants charged with manslaughter and hazing for the death of 26-year-old death in 2011.
A total of 15 defendants were charged originally.
Champion's beating death aboard a band bus parked outside an Orlando hotel after a football game exposed a culture of hazing within the school's band.
Champion ran through a gauntlet of fellow band members who punched, kicked and struck him with instruments. He collapsed and died a short time later.
In October 2014, 25-year-old Dante Martin was convicted of manslaughter and felony hazing in the case and is serving six years behind bars. Another former band member, Jessie Baskin, served one year in county jail. Others took deals for probation and community service.