ATLANTA (CBS ATLANTA) -
The family of the FAMU drum major who died after he was beaten during a hazing ritual is asking that all FAMU marching band activities be suspended.
The family's demand came just one day after 13 people were indicted in connection with Robert Champion's death. Champion died after prosecutors say he was hazed by fellow band members following a performance.
Thursday, CBS Atlanta News spoke to Champion's family, who said FAMU should shut the band down until the university handles the hazing problem.
"They need to clean out the filth to move forward," said Pam Champion, Robert's mother. "How can they allow the band out there?"
Late Wednesday, Orange County officials announced the indictments in connection with Champion's death. The charges ranged from misdemeanors to third-degree felony hazing.
But the Champions said those charges aren't sufficient. According to the medical examiner, Robert Champion died from multiple blunt-force blows to his body.
The Champions also said they felt the investigation was botched. Pam Champion said police did not properly process the bus after the hazing incident and gave it back to the bus company too quickly. She also said police should not have allowed the students who were on the bus to leave Orlando without being immediately questioned.
The Champions' attorney, Chris Chestnut, said band members told his investigators they were coached by FAMU alumni on how to answer questions from police.
"We know they were caucusing to determine how to get away with murder," Chestnut said.
Copyright 2012 WGCL-TV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
Robert Champion's family speaks to the media in Atlanta
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WTVM, a Raycom Media Station.
