Gov. Rick Scott on Wednesday requested that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement join the Orange County Sheriff’s investigation into the death last weekend in Orlando of Florida A&M University band member Robert Champion.
Investigators have said they are looking into the possibility that the drum major’s death was the result of hazing.
The band, the Marching 100, one of the signature symbols of the Tallahassee university, has been suspended, and the Tallahassee Democrat reported Wednesday that its director, Julian White, fired.
“While I recognize that the investigation into the death of Mr. Champion is being handled by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the reality is that the death investigation significantly impacts the university, the Tallahassee community, and the state of Florida as a whole,” Scott wrote in a letter to FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey. “With this in mind, I believe it to be appropriate that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement become involved in investigating this matter.”
Scott said FDLE should work with the Orange County Sheriff’s office, and any other agencies necessary.
