Manslaughter charges in FAMU hazing case

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) Defendants in the hazing death of a Florida A&M drum major have been given the stiffer charge of manslaughter by the new prosecutor and a longer wait until their case goes to trial.Recently sworn-in State Attorney Jeff Ashton added the second-degree felony count Monday for each of 10 band members who were charged last May with third-degree felony hazing in the 2011 death of 26-year-old Robert Champion.Prosecutors also charged two new defendants with manslaughter Monday, though they had not yet been arrested. The manslaughter charge announced during a status hearing carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison.SEE THE FAMUAN’S FULL STORY IN TODAY’S PRINT EDITION.