The president and three members of a San Diego State University fraternity were charged with intentionally setting a fire during a pre-planned skit last year, according to California prosecutors.
Phi Kappa Psi members Kayden Cooper, 22, Lucas Cowling, 20, Christopher Serrano, 20, and Lars Larsen, 19, were arrested by the organization on probation. He is accused of intentionally setting Larsen on fire during a frat party. According to the San Diego County District Attorney.
Prosecutors said Larsen, who was also charged at the time, was hospitalized for several weeks and treated for third-degree burns covering 16 percent of his body, according to an affidavit at the time.
“The University prioritizes the health and safety of our campus community and has high expectations for how all members of the University community, including students, conduct themselves for the safety and well-being of individuals and the community.” a university spokesperson said in a statement to The Theatre. post.
The university placed preliminary charges against Frato after receiving an anonymous tip about an alleged hazing incident at a Phi Kappa Psi party on February 17, 2024. At the time of the incident, Frato was already on probation for a series of hazing incidents. multiple media reported.
The agency referred the matter to the public prosecutor's office, which then launched an administrative investigation, a spokesperson said.
Prosecutors say Larsen, Cooper and Cowling planned the dangerous stunt, that Serrano was instructed to set Larsen on fire, and that the underage students consumed alcohol before performing the skit. added.
Cooper was president of the fraternity, Cowling was a member of the pledge committee, and Serrano, like Larsen, was a pledger.
Prosecutors say Larsen, Cooper and Cowling then tried to cover up the incident by lying to police, deleting evidence and instructing other Frat members to do the same when law enforcement approached them. It is said that
The Frato brothers were each charged with at least one felony count, including recklessly starting a fire resulting in serious bodily injury, conspiracy to commit an act harmful to the public, and violation of a community hosting ordinance.
If convicted on all charges, the students could face up to seven years in prison, prosecutors said.
They were each arraigned Monday and released on the condition that they not participate in fraternity events or recruitment. Minors were also ordered not to drink alcohol.
All four have pleaded not guilty and are scheduled to appear in court again on March 18th.
