The so-called ringleader of the hazing incident that killed a FAMU drum major is going to prison.
Dante Martin was sentenced Friday to more than six years in prison for the death of FAMU drum major Robert Champion back in 2011.
Emotions were running high as Martin pled for forgiveness. Champion’s parents spoke before the court about the man their son was and never got to be.
“I seen him come into the world,” Robert Champion Sr. said. “And I raised him ever since. I couldn’t ask for a better son.”
But before sentencing, Judge Renee Roche said forgiveness does not have a role in the courtroom and that Martin would be punished.
Champion was killed more than three years ago in Orlando. He was brutally beaten to death in a hazing ritual by fellow FAMU band members.
More than a dozen people were charged, but Dante Martin, the so-called ringleader, is the first person to be sentenced to prison.
Martin was convicted of felony manslaughter and hazing for running the ritual known as Crossing Bus C.
He was facing more than 20 years in prison. At his sentencing, Martin begged for forgiveness and apologized to Champion’s family.
“If there was a way, I wish the pain that you feel… that I could take that away from you and carry that pain for you,” Martin said. “There’s nothing I can do to bring your son back. I know.”
Champion’s parents then took the stand to say his apology could never heal the wounds of losing a son. They forgive him, but said it still isn’t enough.
“My son’s life has yet again been dismissed,” mother Pam Champion said.
As the Champions left the courtroom, they shared a private moment with Martin’s family. Martin’s family said they too feel like they have lost a son.
There are still three more band members to face trial for the hazing death of Robert Champion. Those trials were postponed until April.
The other band members charged have settled out of court and will be called as future witnesses.