ORLANDO, Fla. – A jury has convicted a former Florida A&M University band member of manslaughter and felony hazing in the death of a drum major who prosecutors say was brutally beaten during a hazing ritual aboard a bus.
17040834
The jury convicted 27-year-old Dante Martin Friday of Robert Champion's death after deliberating for a short time. The charge carries a punishment of up to 15 years in prison.
The 26-year-old Champion died almost three years ago in Orlando.
Prosecutors said Martin was the ringleader of the hazing. A medical examiner said Champion died of internal bleeding caused by severe bruising.
Some others involved in the hazing have pleaded guilty to lesser charges. Three other former band members await trial.
Prosecutors called eight witnesses, including former band members who identified 27-year Dante Martin as orchestrator of the ritual known as "crossing Bus C" after a football game in Orlando in 2011.
Champion of Decatur, Georgia, died following the ritual that involved his fellow musicians kicking and pummeling him with fists and drumsticks.
The defense presented no witnesses and Martin declined to testify. He faces up to 15 years in prison.
A sentencing date was not clear.
Watch Local 6 News and stay with ClickOrlando.com for more on this story.