FAMU Hazing Case: Friends, family to remember Robert Champion one year after death

By: Crimesider Staff
Topics: Daily Blotter

FAMU hazing death was retaliation: parents

Florida A&M Marching 100 Drum Major Robert Champion during a performance at halftime of the game against Howard University at Bragg Memorial Stadium on Oct. 8, 2011 in Tallahassee, Fla. Champion became ill and died after a game on November 19, 2011.

/ AP Photo/Don Juan Moore

(AP) DECATUR, Ga. - The family of a Florida A&M drum major who died a year ago after being beaten during a hazing ritual plan a candlelight vigil on Monday to mark the anniversary.

PICTURES: Florida A&M University hazing scandal

Authorities have charged more than a dozen fellow band members in Robert Champion's death. Champion's family, who lives in Georgia, was recently offered a $300,000 settlement from the school. Their attorney has called the offer "substantively low."

In their lawsuit, Champion's parents contend university officials didn't take action to stop hazing, though a dean proposed suspending the famed "Marching 100" band just days before their son died.

Ten FAMU band members face felony hazing charges in the case while two others face misdemeanor counts. The first defendant, Brian Jones, 23, was sentenced on Oct. 22 to six months of community control, two years' probation and 200 hours of community service.

A family spokesman says the vigil for Robert Champion will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday in Decatur, Ga.

Complete coverage of the Florida A&M hazing case on Crimesider