Four Fraternity Members Charged After a Pledge Is Set on Fire

Four members of a fraternity at San Diego State University are facing serious charges following an incident in which a pledge was set on fire during a skit at a party last year, leaving him with severe burns that required weeks of hospitalization, according to prosecutors on Monday.https://wordpress.com/

The incident occurred on February 17, 2024, when the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity held a large gathering at its house, despite being on probation at the time. Court documents reveal that while on probation, the fraternity was expected to “adhere strictly to university policies,” as outlined by the institution’s regulations.

Instead, prosecutors claim the fraternity members orchestrated a dangerous skit in which a pledge would be set ablaze. After consuming alcohol in the presence of the fraternity president, 22-year-old Caden Cooper, the three younger men—20-year-old Christopher Serrano, 19-year-old Lars Larsen, and 20-year-old Lucas Cowling, all pledges—performed the skit.

Larsen was set on fire, suffering severe burns that covered 16% of his body, primarily on his legs. This forced him to remain in the hospital for weeks for treatment of third-degree burns, prosecutors said.

The charges against Cooper, Cowling, and Serrano include reckless arson resulting in serious injury, conspiracy to engage in harmful conduct, and violating the social host ordinance. If convicted, they could face up to seven years and two months of probation or prison time.

Larsen himself also faces charges. The San Diego County District Attorney’s office revealed that, along with Cooper and Cowling, he allegedly attempted to mislead investigators by deleting evidence on social media, instructing fellow fraternity members to destroy evidence, and advising them not to talk about the incident.

All four men have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Lawyers representing Cooper and Cowling did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Tuesday, and contact information for the attorneys of Serrano and Larsen was not available.

The four individuals were released on Monday, but the court issued orders barring them from participating in any fraternity events, including recruitment activities, and mandated they follow all laws, including those pertaining to alcohol use.

In response to the incident, the university announced it would conduct its own administrative investigation into the behavior of the students and the fraternity now that the criminal investigation has concluded.

Following confirmation of the facts, the Dean of Students Office placed the Phi Kappa Psi chapter on interim suspension, a measure that remains in effect. The university also stated additional actions had been taken but could not disclose further details due to student privacy laws.

“The university is committed to ensuring the health and safety of its campus community,” a spokesperson said, “and has clear expectations for all students to uphold safety and well-being both individually and collectively.”

Officials noted that at least six fraternities at San Diego State University have been placed on probation in the past two years.