Jury convicts 3 of manslaughter Florida A&M hazing death

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) – Jurors have convicted the last three defendants of manslaughter and hazing in the death of a Florida A&M drum major, ending a three-year-old case that shined a light on ritualized hazing within the school’s famed band

The six-member jury deliberated for 2 1/2 hours Friday before reaching a verdict.

Benjamin McNamee, Darryl Cearnel and Aaron Golson were the final three defendants charged with manslaughter and hazing for 26-year-old Robert Champion’s death in 2011.

A total of 15 defendants were charged originally.

Champion’s beating death aboard a band bus parked outside an Orlando hotel after a football game exposed a culture of hazing within the school’s band.

Champion ran through a gauntlet of fellow band members who punched, kicked and struck him with instruments.  He collapsed and died a short time later.