Man charged in FAMU band hazing death case pleads no contest; will be sentenced next month

By KYLE HIGHTOWER Associated Press
May 10, 2013 - 12:07 pm EDT

ORLANDO, Florida — The roommate of the Florida A&M drum major who died in a hazing ritual in 2011 has pleaded no contest to hazing charges.

During a status hearing on Friday, prosecutors agreed to dismiss a manslaughter charge against Rikki Wills. He will be sentenced next month.

Jury selection had been scheduled for Monday after Wills rejected a plea deal offered by the prosecution last week. He had filed a demand for a speedy trial in early April.

He faced a manslaughter charge and two counts of misdemeanor hazing.

Robert Champion died after a football game in November 2011. He collapsed following what prosecutors say was a savage beating. An autopsy showed bruises on his chest, arms, shoulder and back.

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