The state of Florida announced Wednesday charges against 13 people in Florida A&M drum major Robert Champion’s hazing death last November. The state has officially ruled the death a homicide. At least one person is already in custody for Champion’s death.
In reading a statement that included the charges, State Attorney Lawson Lamar said Champion was “pummeled to death” resulting in internal bleeding, which led to his death in Orlando on Nov. 19, 2011. He called the hazing culture in American universities “bullying with a tradition.”
“It’s something that will continue to happen out of sight until someone like Robert Champion loses his life,” Lamar told reporters in Orlando, a live stream of which was available online.
Lamar said 13 people would be charged, at least 11 with felony hazing, but he did not say whether they were all students. He refused to divulge names, saying that because they were flight risks, his office would hold off until after the arrests have been made. He declared a media blackout on the case during the proceedings, explaining, “We will be doing our talking in court.”
“This case is too important for the future of Florida,” he said.
Lamar had planned not to answer any questions, but as he walked away, a reporter asked about the charges. Why only homicide, the reporter wondered.
“The testimony obtained to date does not [suggest] murder,” he said, referring to the legal, intent-to-kill stipulation that must accompany murder charges.
Champion died after the annual Florida Classic football game last November, and his death has mired the university in scrutiny for its lack of response to past hazing allegations. According to information that the Famuan received, the university received fresh complaints of hazing in the days leading to the young man’s death.
Champion’s filed his filed a lawsuit against the university and against the bus company, Fabulous Coaches, on which the young man died in a ritual known as “Crossing ‘Bus C’.” FAMU Director of Bands Julian White, who was hastily put on leave pending dismissal following Champion’s death, also filed suit against FAMU.