Local arrest in connection with FAMU death | News

Tampa, Florida - One of 13 people facing charges in relation to the hazing death of FAMU drum major Robert Champion turned himself in to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

21-year-old Bryan Jones of Parrish turned himself in Wednesday night. He is charged with a Felony (College Hazing/Causing Injury or Death) and was booked into the jail. 

He was able to bond out on a $15,000 bond.

Champion, 26, was part of FAMU's elite Marching 100 band. He collapsed and died after a hazing incident aboard the group's charter bus outside and Orlando hotel in November.

On Wednesday, investigators announced 13 people would be charged in connection to Champion's death. Eleven of those, including Jones, face 3rd degree felony charges under Florida's new anti-hazing law. It was passed by Florida lawmakers last year.

None of the suspects are facing murder or manslaughter charges.

In Tallahassee, two other defendants were arrested. 24-year-old Rikki Willis bonded out of jail Wednesday night, while bond was denied for 23-year-old Caleb Jackson at his first court appearance Thursday morning.

Jackson was serving three years probation for a 2010 battery charge. His probation was revoked, and he was appointed a public defender.

Previous Stories:

• FAMU student found dead on bus after game
• Four students dismissed in connection to death
• Drum major's death ruled a homicide
• Fired band director says he did all he could to stop hazing
• Robert Champion's family sues bus owner over death
• Lawsuit filed over death
• FAMU boosts security, saying "campus safety is paramount"
• 13 charged in FAMU hazing death
• Robert Champion's mother wanted more severe charges