The alleged “president” of the unauthorized “Bus C” group
within the Marching 100 is now being charged in the hazing death of drum major
Robert Champion.
A court document submitted by the state attorney’s office
for the Ninth Judicial District of Florida revealed that Dante Martin, 25, of
Tampa will be tried as a felony defendant in the Champion case. Martin, who numerous
witnesses claim was the ringleader of the “Bus C” group, joins 11 others
charged with felony hazing in the homicide that occurred on Nov. 19, 2011.
Richard Escobar, Martin’s attorney, responded by pointing
out that no one has stepped forward to accuse his client of physically
assaulting any band member.
“There has never been any allegation of my client striking
anyone,” Escobar told the Orlando Sentinel.
Martin, a snare drum player, also faces misdemeanor charges
for allegedly hazing fellow drummer Requesta Harden. He has pleaded not guilty.