ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - The roommate of the Florida A&M drum major who died after undergoing a hazing ritual in 2011 could become the first of a dozen co-defendants to go to trial.
Rikki Wills is expected to attend a status hearing on Friday. Barring any last-minute changes, jury selection is scheduled for Monday. Wills is charged with manslaughter, and two counts of misdemeanor hazing.
He rejected a plea deal offered by the prosecution last week, after previously filing a demand for a speedy trial in early April. A manslaughter conviction could carry a penalty of up to 15 years in prison.
Robert Champion died following 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.
