13 charged in Fla. hazing death

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Thirteen people were charged yesterday in one of the biggest college hazing cases ever prosecuted in the United States, accused in the death of a Florida A&M University drum major authorities say was mercilessly pummeled by fellow members of the marching band.

Robert Champion, 26, died in November on a chartered bus parked outside an Orlando hotel following a performance against a rival school.

"The death . . . is nothing short of an American tragedy," said state Attorney Lawson Lamar. "No one should have expected that his college experience would include being pummeled to death."

Of the 13 people, 11 were charged with hazing resulting in death, a felony, and misdemeanor offenses that all together could bring nearly 6 years in prison. Two others face misdemeanors.

By yesterday afternoon, two students were in custody: Rikki Wills, 24, and Caleb Jackson, 23. Both are charged with felony hazing resulting in death. The other 11 names have not been released.

Champion had bruises on his chest, arms, shoulder and back and died of internal bleeding, Lamar said. -- AP