MIKE SCHNEIDER
Associated Press
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - There was no single blow, stomp or strike to Robert Champion's bruised and battered body that killed him as he was pummeled by fellow Florida A&M University marching band members during a hazing ritual aboard a charter bus last fall.
Instead, his death was caused by multiple blows from many individuals. That inability to pinpoint which blow ultimately caused the 26-year-old drum major's death led authorities to charge 13 defendants Wednesday with hazing rather than more serious counts like manslaughter or second-degree murder.
At a news conference announcing the charges, State Attorney Lawson Lamar said Champion's death wasn't linked to one single strike but is attributed to multiple blows.
Champion's mother, Pam, said she was glad charges were brought but disappointed they weren't more severe.
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