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Suspect in FAMU hazing case enters plea

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UPDATE (April 16, 2013 - 3:39 P.M.)

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - A third defendant charged with the hazing death of a Florida A&M drum major has pleaded no contest in an Orlando courtroom.

Caleb Jackson pleaded no contest to manslaughter and felony hazing Tuesday in Orange County court.

His attorney had said last week that he would plead guilty but attorney Chuck Hobbs says he instead decided that it would be in Jackson's best interest to plead no contest.

Jackson had been held in Leon County Jail on a violation of probation since his arrest.

FAMU drum major Robert Champion died in Orlando in November 2011 after he collapsed following what prosecutors say was a savage beating during a hazing ritual.

Eleven other former Florida A&M band members are still facing manslaughter and felony hazing charges.