Four fraternity members at San Diego State University are facing criminal charges after a party stunt resulted in severe burns to one of the students. The San Diego County District Attorney's Office confirmed the charges, which encompass recklessly causing a fire with great bodily injury, conspiracy, and a violation of the social host ordinance. Phi Kappa Psi members Caden Cooper, Lucas Cowling, Christopher Serrano, and Lars Larsen pled not guilty in court.
During a February party, the fraternity, already on probation by the university, hosted a sizable gathering at their house. According to the District Attorney's news release, the incident involved a premeditated skit that went awry, with Serrano setting Larsen on fire, resulting in third-degree burns. After consuming alcohol, the underage students, Cowling was present, performed the dangerous act.
Larsen's injuries covered 16% of his body and required weeks of hospital treatment. The incident's aftermath saw Cooper, Cowling, and Larsen engaging in efforts to obstruct the investigation. They lied to law enforcement, deleted relevant social media evidence, and directed other fraternity members to do the same.
The court has released all defendants on their recognizance, imposing conditions prohibiting their participation in fraternity activities and instructing them to adhere to laws, especially those about alcohol. While awaiting their preliminary hearing on April 16, the accused must steer clear of any recruitment or party events held by the fraternity. A readiness hearing is scheduled for March 18.
