Man convicted in FAMU hazing appeals

A former member of Florida A&M University’s “Marching 100” band has gone to the state Supreme Court to challenge manslaughter and hazing convictions in the Nov. 19, 2011, death of drum major Robert Champion in Orlando. An appeal was filed Monday on behalf of Dante Martin, who was found guilty of manslaughter, felony hazing resulting in death and two counts of misdemeanor hazing in the death of Champion. The 5th District Court of Appeal upheld the convictions in November. Champion died after a ritual known as “Crossing Bus C,” in which band members were struck repeatedly as they crossed from the front of a bus to the back. Martin, now 29, was sentenced to 77 months in prison after being found guilty by an Orange County jury.