FAMU Hazing Scandal: 13 Charged in Death of Robert Champion

Family of Champion disappointed in the charges

Today 13 people were charged in the death of Florida A&M University drum major Robert Champion, according to the Associated Press.

Felony charges were levied against 11 of the 13 individuals involved in the death, which come five months after the 26-year-old former band member died from his injuries. The other two will face a misdemeanor charge.

Robert Champion died aboard a chartered bus parked outside an Orlando hotel following a performance against a rival school. Champion was beaten so badly he had bruises on his chest, arms, shoulder and back, authorities said. He was found vomiting aboard the bus and unresponsive.

The hazing case has made the university and several others around the country look closely at their school bands practices when it comes to hazing.

The prosecutor in the case announced the charges at a news conference earlier today.

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Legal experts had predicted prosecutors may file more serious charges like manslaughter and second-degree murder. The Champion family attorney, Christopher Chestnut, said they were disappointed.

"They had hoped for more serious charges. They were hoping for a stronger message. He was beaten to death," he said.