Twelve charged in FAMU drum major's death

Twelve former FAMU students have been charged with manslaughter for the 2011 hazing that left a Florida A&M University Drum Major dead.

The Drum Major, Robert Champion, died after a hazing ritual that required him to run down the center of a bus while being hit, kicked,and punched by senior band members.

His death was later ruled a homicide by a medical examiner.

Christopher Chestnut, the lawyer for Champion's parents, is pleased with the charges.

"Robert Champion wasn't injured by hazing, he was killed by hazing," he said. "The family is encouraged by that (and feels) this is the right message and hopes that this is the right message regarding hazing."

The popular college band was also suspended for the 2012-2013 school year.