Twelve former members of the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) marching band have been charged with manslaughter for the November 2011 hazing death of a 26-year-old drum major, Robert Champion.

Ten of the University band members were charged last May with third-degree felony for the death of Champion, but the Orange-Osceola state attorney Jeff Ashton's office added the charge of manslaughter too, March 4.

They also have charged two other defendants with manslaughter, who are yet to be arrested.

If convicted, the 12 former members of the marching band can face up to 15 years in prison.

Champion's death occurred following a savage beating by his fellow members during a 'Crossing Bus C hazing ritual' on the band's bus parked at the Rosen Plaza hotel in Orlando. He suffered bruises on his chest, arms, shoulder and suffered internal bleeding, which ultimately led to his death.

Due to this tragic death, the band was suspended for the 2012-13 academic year, its director Julian White was forced to retire and the university president, James Ammons, was fired from his post. As a result, student enrollment dropped by 1,000, causing a financial loss of $60 million.

Christopher Chestnut, attorney for Champion's parents, Pam and Robert Champion Sr.,said they were pleased with the upgradation of the charges.

"These charges are commensurate with the acts committed," Chestnut told Huffington Post. "It sends the right message regarding zero-tolerance of hazing in the FAMU band."

Brian Jones and Ryan Dean, two former band members, weren't charged with manslaughter as their cases were resolved last year itself.

They have been sentenced after pleading no-contest to third-degree felony hazing last year. Both initially pleaded not guilty.

Jones was sentenced last October to six months of community control, which strictly limits his freedom, with frequent check-ins with probation officials. He also was given two years of probation and required to perform 200 hours of community service.

Dean was sentenced to four years of probation and 200 hours of community service.

Judge Marc Lubet has set the next hearing date for the case in August.