FAMU Band Member Guilty of Manslaughter

In the first trial related to the 2011 hazing death of a Florida A&M band member, Dante Martin was found guilty of manslaughter and felony hazing. Martin, 27, faces up to 22 years in prison for the death of Robert Champion, who died in November 2011 during the band's “Crossing Bus C” hazing ritual, which involved beating members with fists, clubs, and mallets as they walked through a bus. The death made national news and brought to light the famous college band's history of hazing. Many of the other band members have pleaded guilty to lesser charges, and three others are awaiting trial. "No one won here today," said Robert Champion Sr. "We hate to see anyone's child go to prison. To know that my son's life will not be in vain, that he will make a difference, I hope that people will get the message that hazing isn't cool. You need to stop now."