UPDATE 2:30 EST: Prosecutors charged 11 people with felony hazing, 13 with hazing and 5 with misdemeanor hazing. District Attorney Lawson Lamar said that he believed the incident was a form of bullying. Lamar also stated that the death of Robert was not due to a final blow but rather an accumulation of strikes.
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Just over five months ago, Florida A&M University band drummer Robert Champion was killed as a result of hazing.
STORY: Florida A&M Marching Band Member Robert Champion Killed Because He Was Gay?
CBS News reports that nearly two dozen students will be arrested as a result of the charges, which will include both misdemeanors and felonies.
26-year-old Robert died in November of 2011 after a hazing incident conducted by band members on a bus. During the hazing ritual, Robert suffered from severe physical trauma and excessive bleeding. It is alleged that Robert was kicked, punched and stomped on while on the bus.
STORY: Florida A&M Marching Band Member Robert Champion Killed By Hazing?
Robert’s parents Pam and Robert Champion Sr. feel that any arrest will be long overdue. Pam was extremely vocal about the charges, telling reporters:
“The most important thing is that the example needs to be set. It needs to be an example that sets the stage of what will not be tolerated. They’re going to have to clean the house. They’re going to have to step up and do what they know is the right thing to do. Get rid of the filth that’s there. Everything is out in the open, so you can’t continue business as usual.”
The University suspended all band activities and has also fired two music professors who were allegedly involved in hazing. Robert’s parents are in the process of suing Fabulous Coach Lines, the bus company their son died on, and the University.
Prosecutors will announce the charges tomorrow. We hope justice is served in the name of Robert Champion.
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