Former Band Member Is Convicted of Manslaughter in Florida A&M Hazing

The man prosecutors called the ringleader of the hazing ritual that killed a Florida A&M University drum major three years ago was convicted on Friday of manslaughter and felony hazing, the Orlando Sentinel reports. Dante Martin, 27, faces up to 22 years in prison.

Friday’s conviction represents the most serious so far in the case of Robert Champion, who died in November 2011 after being beaten to death by his fellow band members while he attempted to run from the front to the back of a parked bus. Fifteen former band members were charged with crimes, but most pleaded guilty. Mr. Martin was the first of four to go on trial.

The incident spurred the suspension of the marching-band program, the departure of the university’s band director, and the resignation of its president.