FAMU police arrested four suspects in connection with an alleged band-hazing incident that sent a freshman band member to the hospital.
Carl Edwards, 22, a student from Lithonia, Ga., was placed under arrest on Monday after turning himself in to the police. Edwards is charged with four counts of aggravated battery and could face up to 15 years in prison.
Students David C. Benoit, 21, from Miami, Malik C. Littles, 22, from West Palm Beach, and Kristopher Mumford, 21, from Jacksonville were arrested Tuesday. All three suspects were charged with one count of aggravated battery.
According to police reports, Benoit and Mumford were both found at the General Classroom Building and place under arrest. Littles, accompanied by his lawyer, turned himself in to the police.
William Tanelus, 20, a former student from Miami was arrested on Nov. 16 in connection with the alleged hazing incident and charged with two counts of aggravated battery.
According to police reports freshmen band members were taken to an off-campus apartment and beaten. Marcus Parker, who spent five days in serious condition, was released from Tallahassee Memorial Hospital on Nov. 16.
Parker told police he was hit 20 to 30 times. Darian Magee, another victim, told police he was paddled multiple times with a “board-like paddle.”
We stand firm in our zero tolerance policy on hazing. Therefore, those who are found guilty of violating our student code of conduct will face extreme consequences,” said FAMU spokesman Eddie Jackson.
In 1990 a state law was passed prohibiting hazing and requiring universities to enforce the law and impose penalties. Possible university action may include suspension, expulsion or fines.
If anyone has any information about this case, call the anonymous campus tip-line at 1-800-501-5352. Tipsters can receive up to $500 for their information.