Ex-FAMU band members set for hearing in hazing death case

ORLANDO, Fla. – Charged in the hazing death of former Florida A&M University (FAMU) drum major Robert Champion, six ex-band members from the college in Tallahassee are due to appear in court Friday for a status hearing.

Attorneys for the defendants are discussing potential plea deals in advance of the trial.

Overall, charges have been filed against 15 former FAMU band members involved in the incident.

Eight defendants have already accepted deals while another, Caleb Jackson, pleaded no contest to manslaughter last April and awaits sentencing.

In the wake of Champion's death, the FAMU band was suspended for a year. The university also amended policy and replaced personnel in the hopes of preventing similar tragedies in the future.