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.

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 president and three members of a San Diego State University fraternity ... California prosecutors said. The Phi Kappa Psi members – Caden Cooper, 22, Lucas Cowling, 20, Christopher Serrano ...

A "skit" at a fraternity party that left a pledge with burns over 16% of his body led to authorities filing charges against four San Diego State University students, including the person who was injured.

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 ...

Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Four members of San Diego State University (SDSU)’s Phi Kappa Psi fraternity have pleaded not guilty to criminal charges relating to a stunt ...

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