The trial for the final three former Florida A&M University (FAMU) marching band members charged in the death of Robert Champion has come to a close with none of them facing prison time.
Judge Renee Roche sentenced Benjamin McNamee, 24; Aaron Golson, 22; and Darryl Cearnel, 28, to 10 years of supervised probation. Convicted of manslaughter and hazing in April, the three faced a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, but prosecutors recommended nine years, the Associated Press reported.
In her ruling, Roche said she arrived at her sentence because Champion was a willing participant in the hazing ritual known as "crossing Bus C." McNamee, Golson, Cearnel and several other former FAMU band members beat Champion, a drum major, with instruments, fists and feet in 2011 as he tried to get from the front of the bus to the back.
The famed Marching 100 had just performed at a football game when Champion performed this ritual, the wounds from which killed him.
Roche said McNamee, Golson and Cearnel could end their sentence early if they actively participate as anti-hazing activists. 15 former FAMU band members were charged, but only one received prison time. Allegedly the person who organized Champion's ritual, Dante Martin was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison.
"Having done this for 20 years, there are a few cases that will stay with you. And this is one of them," Roche said at the hearing Friday, according to the AP.
Champion's parents, Robert Sr. and Pam, were present Friday and heard apologies and condolences from the three sentenced, the AP noted.
Caleb Jackson, a former FAMU band member, pleaded no-contest to manslaughter and is awaiting sentencing, while another, Jessie Baskin, was sentenced to 51 weeks in country jail.
