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Jury could start deliberating in Fla. hazing trial

By WTOP Staff

KYLE HIGHTOWER
Associated Press

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Attorneys are set to give closing arguments in the case of a former Florida A&M University band member charged with manslaughter and hazing in the death of a drum major who was beaten on a band bus during a hazing ritual.

Once they’re finished, Judge Renee Roche will give the jurors final instructions and deliberations could begin sometime Friday.

Prosecutors called eight witnesses, including former band members who identified 27-year Dante Martin as orchestrator of the ritual known as “crossing Bus C” after a football game in Orlando in 2011.

Robert Champion of Decatur, Georgia, died following the ritual that involved his fellow musicians kicking and pummeling him with fists and drumsticks.

The defense presented no witnesses and Martin declined to testify. He faces up to 15 years in prison.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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