Wrongful death lawsuits and more importantly, the events that lead up to them, can alter numerous lives. Consider a recent article for News 10 titled “Convicted FAMU hazer crusades against culture of abuse.”
The author of the article writes, “In the spring of 2006, Morton had it all. Weeks from graduating from Florida A&M University with a degree in engineering on a full-ride scholarship. Job offer at Pepsi’s Dallas plant in hand. That all changed when Morton, then 23, and his fellow Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity brother, Jason Harris, were the first two people sentenced under Florida’s tougher 2005 hazing law after an initiation beating that left a pledge needing surgery from a damaged eardrum. The stricter law made hazing leading to serious bodily injury a felony regardless of a victim’s consent. The two men, who were regarded by many as models of FAMU’s student success, were each sentenced to two years in prison. The law was applied in the case of Champion, who was killed after he reportedly willingly participated in a brutal FAMU Marching 100 beating initiation following the Florida Classic football game aboard the band’s parked bus in November 2011. Jackson was sentenced this month to a four-year prison term for his role in the hazing death of Champion, a FAMU Marching 100 drum major. Martin, the ringleader, was sentenced to 6 1/2 years in January. Jesse Baskin served less than a year in county jail after pleading no contest to manslaughter charges. The Orlando incident exposed a long-standing culture of hazing in the band, which was suspended for nearly two years. Champion’s death led to the resignation of then university president James H. Ammons and sanctions from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Now, almost a decade after his disgrace, the 32-year-old Morton is taking his experience directly to college students during National Hazing Prevention Week to remind them what college is supposed to be about: Education.”
The Law Offices of Gilbert & Smallman handles criminal cases of all types. If you or someone you care about was the victim, or has been accused of a crime, contact us today. Free consultations available 24/7 by phone! Our offices conveniently are located in Miami, North Miami, Hollywood and Tallahassee. At Gilbert & Smallman we pride ourselves on service to our clients. Contact us today for your free one on one consult with one of our experienced criminal law partners.
