4 fraternity members at San Diego State University charged after pledge suffers severe burns during 'skit'
A "skit" at a fraternity party that left a pledge with burns over 16% of his body led authorities to file charges against four San Diego State University students, including the person who was injured.
A "skit" at a fraternity party that left a pledge with burns over 16% of his body led authorities to file charges against four San Diego State University students, including the person who was injured.
Caden Cooper, 22; Lucas Cowling, 20; Christopher Serrano, 20; and Lars Larsen, 19, were arraigned Monday and pleaded not guilty to recklessly causing a fire with great bodily injury, conspiracy to commit an act injurious to the public and violating the social host ordinance, among other charges, the San Diego County District Attorney's Office said in a news release.
The charges stem from a Phi Kappa Psi party on Feb. 17 that left Larsen with burns. At the time of the party, the fraternity was on probation by the university, the release says.
All four students were active members and pledges of Phi Kappa Psi, officials said. Cooper was the chapter’s president, Cowling was on the pledge board, and Serrano and Larsen were pledges.
The district attorney's office said that Phi Kappa Psi threw a large party at its fraternity house and that Cowling, Serrano and Larsen "pre-planned a skit during which Serrano would set Larsen on fire."
Rating: 5