Jury convicts 3 of manslaughter Florida A&M hazing death

ORLANDO, Fla. — Three years after a Florida A & M University drum major died after being hazed, the last defendants facing charges in his death were convicted of manslaughter and felony hazing in a case that shined a light on the violent ritual within the school's famed marching band.

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

Benjamin McNamee, 24; Darryl Cearnel, 28; and Aaron Golson, 22, were the final three defendants charged in 26-year-old Robert Champion's death in 2011. Defense attorneys said they will likely appeal.

"It's a tough pill to swallow, all in all, for some really good kids who had a bright future," said Craig Brown, Golson's defense attorney. "There are no winners or losers. There are only losers in this case, for the Champion family, for our clients."

The defendants showed no reaction after the verdict was read in the Orlando courtroom. Champion's parents bowed their heads slightly. Later, as McNamee was being handcuffed in the courtroom, he mouthed "I love you" to family members.

Sentencing was set for late June, when they each could face up to 15 years in prison for the manslaughter count and five years imprisonment for the hazing count.

Champion's parents said after the verdict that they hope the sentence sends a strong message about the consequence of hazing.

"We have to get that message out," said his mother, Pam Champion.

A total of 15 defendants were charged originally.

The beating death of the 26-year-old Champion aboard a band bus 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.

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