4 Fraternity Members Charged After Pledge Burned in Disturbing ‘Fire Skit’ at Party

Four fraternity members at San Diego State University have been charged in connection with a skit performed at a party, which resulted in one pledge suffering 16 percent burns to his body.

Caden Cooper, 22, Lucas Cowling, 20, Christopher Serrano, 20, and Lars Larsen, 19, all pleaded not guilty in court on January 6 to charges related to the incident that occurred on February 17, 2024, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office confirmed in a news release.

Phi Kappa Psi members Serrano and Larsen performed a pre-planned skit, during which Larsen was set on fire by Serrano. The pair, both pledges at the time, were at a party hosted by the fraternity under the supervision of fraternity president Cooper.

As a result, Larsen sustained 16 percent third-degree burns, primarily on his legs, and required hospitalization for several weeks, according to the release.

After consuming alcohol in the presence of [Pledge Board member] Cowling, the underage students performed the skit, which resulted in 16 percent of Larsen’s body being burned, primarily on his legs, the San Diego County DA's Office stated.

Larsen was transported to the hospital, where he received treatment for his third-degree burns over several weeks, according to the release.

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The San Diego DA's Office reported that Larsen, Cooper, and Cowling made a concerted effort to conceal their involvement and obstruct the investigation by lying to law enforcement, deleting evidence from social media, and instructing other fraternity members to do the same and refrain from discussing the incident.

All of the fraternity members, including Larsen, face at least one felony charge, including recklessly causing a fire with great bodily injury, conspiracy to commit an act injurious to the public, and violating the social host ordinance.

If convicted on all charges, the defendants face penalties ranging from probation to up to seven years and two months in prison.

The students, who pleaded not guilty, were released under court conditions prohibiting them from attending any fraternity parties or participating in further recruitment events. Additionally, the fraternity members are required to comply with all laws, including those regarding alcohol consumption, according to the release.

A hearing on the charges is scheduled for March 18, with a preliminary hearing set for April 16.

PEOPLE has not yet received a response from San Diego State University following a request for a statement.