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Robert Champion’s Parents Applaud Manslaughter Charges in FAMU Hazing Death

March 5th, 2013

The DeKalb County parents of Robert Champion say they’re encouraged 12 former Florida A&M University band members now face a stiffer charge in the hazing death of their son.

On Monday a newly sworn State Attorney in Florida upgraded the charge against ten former band members from felony hazing to manslaughter in connection with the death of 26-year-old drum major Robert Champion. Prosecutors also issued the same charge to two new defendants. Several accused of manslaughter are from metro Atlanta. Champion’s parents say they don’t hold hatred toward the former band members, but they’re pleased they’ve been given a stiffer charge.

“The bottom line is, is that everyone should be held accountable for what they’ve done.”

Pam Champion is the drum major’s mother.

“The word hazing itself does not depict what has been done to my son or any other individual.”

26-year-old Robert Champion collapsed and died in Orlando in 2011 after he was allegedly kicked, punched, and beaten by fellow band members during a hazing ritual. The Champions have rejected a settlement offer from Florida A & M University and claim university officials did not do enough to prevent the hazing. In response to Champion’s death, FAMU has suspended all band activities through the current academic year.