One of the four defendants facing trial next week for the hazing death of Florida A&M drum major Robert Champion is contemplating a plea deal.
An attorney for Benjamin McNamee told Judge Rene Roche on Wednesday that his client would consider a plea deal if it could be done before the judge who had the case previously.
Fifteen defendants were charged originally in the death of Robert Champion in 2011 after he was brutally beaten during a hazing ritual on the Marching 100 band's bus following the Florida Classic football game.
All but four defendants have had their cases settled. A majority received sentences of probation or community service.
Judge Marc Lubet had handled the case before Roche took it over.
State Attorney Jeff Ashton says Champion's family may object.