"The president of Bus C" was convicted Friday of manslaughter and hazing in the Nov. 2011 death of Robert Champion, a Florida A&M University (FAMU) marching band member.

According to the Associated Press, Dante Martin, 27, was also a member of the acclaimed FAMU Marching 100 at the time of Champion's death. Martin was apparently responsible for organizing the hazing ritual known as "Crossing Bus C."

He was convicted of manslaughter and felony hazing, the former of which carries a sentence of up to 15 years in prison. His sentencing hearing was scheduled for Jan. 9.

Richard Escobar, Martin's defense attorney, argued that "Crossing Bus C" was a competition and could not be considered hazing, the AP reported. He argued that Champion voluntarily participated in what he knew was a challenge.

"You can't take it in isolation and act like it was just any other band," Escobar said in his closing arguments. "Brutal as it was, foolish as it was... it was competitive."

After a football game in Nov. 2011, Champion was trying to get from the front of Bus C to the back, all the while FAMU band member punched him, kicked him and beat him with drum sticks, mallets and other objects. After it was over, Champion complained he had trouble breathing before he later collapsed and died.

"Tradition didn't kill Robert Champion," prosecutor Jeff Ashton said during the trial. "Tradition isn't to blame. Tradition is not an excuse... It's not a defense to those that got caught."

Several Marching 100 and FAMU officials resigned as a result of Champion's death and the band itself was suspended more than a year. Many former members charged in the case have pleaded to lesser charges in deals, but now only three await trial.

When it came time to read the verdict, the AP reported, Robert Champion's parents sat still and mute while Martin hung his head.

Related