Charges in Hazing Death of FAMU Drum Major Robert Champion Forthcoming

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CBS News is reporting that at least 12 people are soon to be charged in the hazing death of FAMU drum major Robert Champion, while The Washington Post is reporting that at least 5 will be charged.

Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings reportedly told The Associated Press that multiple defendants will be charged in 26-year-old Robert Champion’s November 2011 death. All those charged are believed to have been involved in Champion’s  hazing that took place on a band bus after a performance.

Champion’s family believes their son was singled out because he was opposed to hazing.

“The main reason that we heard is because he was against hazing, and he was totally against it,” Champion’s father, Robert Champion Sr. said in an interview.

Although no arrests have been made, Orlando’s State Attorney’s Office said that multiple arrests are forthcoming. The family of Champion has also filed a civil lawsuit.

Investigators say Champion suffered blunt trauma to the head and died from shock caused by severe bleeding. Hazing that involves physical harm is a felony in the state of Florida.