Robert Champion Death Ruled Homicide in Hazing Case

Mike Gallagher

Dec 16, 2011 - 19:47

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Robert Champion Death Ruled Homicide in Hazing Case

Robert Champion was one of six drum majors for FAMU's Marching "100." The Southwest DeKalb High School graduate died Saturday, November 19, 2011 after the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Classic.

Officials in Orlands said the death of a Florida A&M University drum major has been ruled a homicide after an autopsy revealed he died of inteal bleeding caused by blunt force trauma.

Investigators said Friday that Robert Champion had bruises on his chest, arms, shoulder and back. Officials believe he died following a hazing ritual.

The 26-year-old student's Nov. 19 death revealed a culture of hazing within FAMU's famed band, the "Marching 100." It led to the suspension of longtime band director Julian White.

Four students suspected of involvement in hazing were briefly expelled after his death but later reinstated.

A criminal investigation is being led by the Orange County Sheriff's Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Any death involving hazing is a third-degree felony in Florida, but so far no charges have been filed.