Dante Martin, a former Florida A&M University student and band member, was sentenced to more than six years in prison this week for the 2011 hazing death of drum major Robert Champion Jr.
Prosecutors accused Martin, 27, of organizing the hazing ritual in which Champion ran down the center of a bus while being punched, kicked, and assaulted by
senior band members, CNN reported. Martin was among 15 people charged in the incident.
"I honestly am ashamed that I can even remotely be a part or associated with anything that could take the life of a human being," Martin said in court, according to CNN. "It hurts me. I'm terribly sorry."
In handing down the 77-month sentence, Orange Circuit Judge Renee Roch said "forgiveness doesn't have a role in the
legal system," the Orlando Sentinel reported.
Champion's father, Robert Sr., said: "Today we've got to set an example that this has got to stop now," according to the Orlando Sentinel.
Martin's lawyers said they plan to appeal the jury verdict and sentence, the newspaper said.
Champion’s parents have also sued the school.
Champion died on Nov. 19, 2011. Martin was convicted of
manslaughter in October, UPI reported.
Another band member, Jessie Baskin, was sentenced to 51 weeks in jail in the case. Eight were sentenced to community service and probation and three face trials this year, UPI said.
Twitter users commented about the case.