Dance & Aux Forum

Tallahassee, Florida -  May 3, 2012 - 8:50am

Hazing suspect Rikki Wills has bonded out of the Leon County Jail on $15,000 bond. Caleb Jackson is scheduled to make his first appearance before a judge in a few minutes.

Thirteen people have been charged in the hazing death of Robert Champion, the drum major for Florida A&M University's "Marching 100" whose death shook the university and led to the suspension of the iconic band.

Tallahassee, Florida -  May 2, 2012 - 3:02pm -

At least two of the people charged in the hazing death of Robert Champion have been arrested and brought to the Leon County Jail.

FDLE agents in unmarked cars got out and escorted the two young men into the booking office.

We are awaiting more information on their names and the charges they are facing. ________________________

Solomon Badger, Chair FAMU Board of Trustees, and James H. Ammons, President of FAMU:

“We are vigorously working to eradicate hazing from FAMU and doing everything within our power to ensure an incident like this never happens again.  Our hearts and our prayers are with the Champion family and the extended FAMU family as we all continue to deal with this tragedy.”

There have been significant steps taken by FAMU in the past five months, with the singular goal to end hazing. They include:

• Indefinite suspension of the FAMU Marching Band and cancellation of 2012 FAMU Summer Band Camp for High School Students.  The suspension is still in place and the status of the band is under review.

• Suspension of induction, enrollment, initiation, membership intake and recruitment for all student clubs and organizations until the Fall 2012.

• Amending FAMU anti-hazing regulations to include a 24-hour reporting rule for faculty, staff and students, as well as a provision against retaliation.

• Formation of an independent FAMU Anti-Hazing Committee comprised of noted national experts from relevant fields to provide valuable research and insight to the FAMU Board of Trustees on ways to end and prevent hazing.

• Announcement of Florida A&M University Anti-Hazing Research Initiative, a $50,000 grant for faculty members to conduct research that will study the nature and extent of hazing behaviors among campus organizations and groups.

• Multiple mandatory campus wide Anti-Hazing safety forums that have been attended by thousands of students and faculty, fostered important dialogue and encouraged students to sign an anti-hazing pledge.

• Real-time communication with FAMU constituents and supporters on zero tolerance for hazing and developments.

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(CBS News) - May 2, 2012 - 2:22pm -

Thirteen students at Florida A&M University will be charged in connection with the hazing death of marching band member Robert Champion, Jr. CBS News has learned.

The students face misdemeanor and felony hazing charges, but have not been charged with murder or manslaughter. Prosecutors made the announcement Wednesday afternoon.

Twenty-six-year old Robert Champion, Jr. died last November after a severe beating. The cause of death was trauma, caused by excessive bleeding after a hazing ritual aboard a band charter bus involving more than two dozen students.

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May 2, 2012 - 2:10pm -

13 people have been charged with 3rd degree felonies in the Robert Champion hazing case. No names will be released because these people are still at large.

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May 2, 2012 - 2pm -

CBS News  - Eleven students at Florida A&M University will be charged in connection with the hazing death of marching band member Robert Champion, Jr. CBS News has learned.

Watch the press conference LIVE

The face misdemeanor and felony hazing charges, but will not be charged with murder or manslaughter. Prosecutors are expected to make an announcement shortly.

Twenty-six-year old Robert Champion, Jr. died last November after a severe beating. The cause of death was trauma, caused by excessive bleeding after a hazing ritual aboard a band charter bus involving more than two dozen students.

The parents of the dead student, Pam and Robert Champion Sr., say any arrests will be five months overdue.

"When someone loses their life because of a crime, they should be punished," Champion Sr. told CBS News correspondent Mark Strassmann.

"The most important thing is that the example needs to be set," his mother said. "It needs to be an example that sets the stage of what will not be tolerated."

In the hazing ritual, Champion was allegedly kicked, punched and stomped as he ran from the front of the bus to the back. He collapsed and died on his way to the hospital.

After his death, the school's band director admitted its hazing history stretched back four decades. Just this week, two music professors were fired for participating in band hazing.

Champion's parents have sued the bus company, Fabulous Coach Lines, and plan to sue the school.

"They're going to have to clean the house," Champion's mother said. "They're going to have to step up and do what they know is the right thing to do ... Get rid of the filth that's there. Everything is out in the open, so you can't continue business as usual."

The university has appointed a task force to investigate its hazing culture and suspended all band activities

May 2, 2012 - Noon -

Statement from FAMU on Champion investigation:

“Given the legal complexity, which surrounds this matter including on-going investigations and pending litigation, we will not be engaging in any interviews at this time.  Upon further administrative and legal review of any and all documents publicly released or shared, Florida A&M University will move with all deliberate speed to initiate proceedings against those involved as appropriate and to the fullest extent lawfully possible.”

Avery McKnight Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel

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Attorney: Family of FAMU hazing victim 'thankful'

Atlanta, GA (AP) -- May 1, 2012 --

The attorney for the family of a Florida A&M University band member who died from a hazing incident last fall said Robert Champion's parents are "thankful" that authorities plan to file charges in the case.

Christopher Chestnut told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the charges are "a long time in coming." Authorities said at least five people will face charges in Champion's November 2011 death aboard a bus after a performance in Orlando, Fla.

The charges are expected to be announced Wednesday afternoon.

Chestnut said Champion's family, which lives in Decatur, Ga., is "distraught" they weren't given enough notice to attend the announcement. He said they found out about the pending charges from the media, not Florida authorities.

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Orlando, Florida - May 1, 2012 - 3:23pm -

The Ninth Circuit State Attorney has completed their review of law enforcement’s investigation in the death of Robert Champion. Together with the Orange County Sheriff, the Ninth Circuit State Attorney will host a press conference to share their findings on Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at 2 pm.

Stay with WCTV for much more on this story.