Frat members at San Diego State University charged after pledge set on fire during party skit

Four members of San Diego State University’s Phi Kappa Psi fraternity are facing serious felony charges after a disturbing incident that occurred at a party last year. The incident involved a skit that went horribly wrong, resulting in a pledge being set on fire and sustaining third-degree burns covering over 16% of his body. The four individuals involved in this tragic event are Caden Cooper, 22; Lucas Cowling, 20; Christopher Serrano, 20; and Lars Larsen, 19. All four have pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them.

Cooper, who was the fraternity’s president, and Cowling, who was on the Pledge Board, were active members of Phi Kappa Psi. Serrano and Larsen, on the other hand, were pledges at the time of the incident. It was revealed that Larsen and Serrano, who were underage, had consumed alcohol before the skit took place, under the supervision of Cowling.

This incident has shed light on the concerning behaviors of some of the university’s fraternities. In recent years, several fraternities at San Diego State University have been under investigation and faced probation due to various policy violations. The Phi Kappa Psi fraternity was already on probation for alcohol and hazing violations when the tragic burning incident occurred.

The party where the skit took place was organized by Cowling, Serrano, and Larsen. The skit involved Serrano setting Larsen on fire, causing severe burns to Larsen’s legs. Following the incident, Cowling, Larsen, and Cooper allegedly misled law enforcement, deleted evidence on social media, and instructed other fraternity members to do the same.

The four individuals have been released from jail and are scheduled to appear in court on March 18 for a preliminary hearing set for April 16. As part of their release conditions, they have been prohibited from participating in any fraternity events or recruitment activities and must adhere to all alcohol laws.

This unfortunate event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with hazing and reckless behavior within fraternities. It is crucial for universities to enforce strict guidelines and policies to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. Our thoughts are with the victim and his family as they navigate the long road to recovery.