The first of 11 defendants, charged with felony hazing in the death of a Florida A&M University drum major, was sentenced in an Orange County court on Monday.
Judge Marc Lubet sentenced 23-year-old Brian Jones to two years probation, including 6 months of community service, for his role in the hazing death of Robert Champion. Jones must also attend an anti-hazing class for several hours.
Lubet said, Jones’ role in Champion’s hazing death was “relatively minimal” and he never did hit the drum major.
Jones, who initially entered a not guilty plea, subsequently pled ‘no contest.’
Champion, 26, died last November in Orlando, after the Florida Classic game. The Medical Examiner ruled his death a homicide after an autopsy revealed there was “hemorrhagic shock due to soft tissue hemorrhage due to blunt force trauma sustained during a hazing incident.”
Twelve FAMU band members have been charged in Champion’s death.
