The Phi Kappa Psi members and pledges are accused of setting a pledge on fire as part of a skit during a party last year

Four members of San Diego State University's Phi Kappa Psi fraternity were charged after a skit at a party last year led to a pledge being set on fire.

The defendants, who were active members of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, allegedly hosted a party at their fraternity house on Feb. 17 of last year.

Four members of San Diego State University (SDSU)’s Phi Kappa Psi fraternity have pleaded not guilty to criminal charges relating to a stunt that allegedly involved deliberately setting one of its new members, known as a pledge, on fire, causing him to suffer third-degree burns.

Members of San Diego State's Phi Kappa Psi fraternity had a pledge set another pledge on fire as part of a skit during a party.

The Phi Kappa Psi members – Caden Cooper, 22, Lucas Cowling, 20, Christopher Serrano, 20, and Lars Larsen, 19 – are accused of purposely setting Larsen ablaze during a large frat party while the organization was on probation, according to the San Diego County District Attorney.

Four San Diego State University fraternity members are facing criminal charges after one of the young men sustained third-degree burns on his body during a skit performed at their party, the

The defendants, who were active members of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, allegedly hosted a party at their fraternity house on Feb. 17 of last year.

After Larsen wound up in the hospital with severe burns, he, Cooper and Cowling tried to cover up the incident, the prosecutor’s office said.

Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. The Phi Kappa Psi fraternity house at San Diego State University Wednesday, May 7, 2008, in San Diego. (AP ...

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The Phi Kappa Psi members and pledges are accused of setting a pledge on fire as part of a skit during a party last year