A jury has found Dante Martin, a former member of the Florida A&M University (FAMU) marching band, guilty of manslaughter in the hazing death of drum major Robert Champion. The jury verdict was announced on Friday.
Martin, who was deemed to be the ring leader of a group of individuals who hazed Major, could face up to 22 years in prison, reports the Orlando Sentinel. Most of the other 14 members who were charged played minor roles and received probation and community service. One received a one year jail sentence, reports NPR.
In 2011, Champion was beaten to death by fellow band members during a hazing ritual.
The incident prompted a study by the Florida Board of Governors, which found that FAMU officials failed to follow state laws and regulations on hazing.
