SDSU Fraternity Members Charged After Hazing Incident

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Students partake in fraternity activities at SDSU.

News Summary

Four members of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity at San Diego State University face felony charges following a hazardous hazing incident. A 19-year-old pledge was severely burned in an event gone wrong, leading to significant legal repercussions for the accused. The fraternity faces scrutiny over its practices and has been placed on interim suspension as investigations unfold.

San Diego – Four members of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity at San Diego State University (SDSU) have been charged with felony offenses following a hazing incident that left a pledge with severe burns. The incident took place on February 17, 2025, during an event where 19-year-old pledge Lars Larsen was set on fire as part of a skit. He sustained third-degree burns covering 16% of his body, primarily affecting his legs.

The accused fraternity members are Caden Cooper, 22; Lucas Cowling, 20; Christopher Serrano, 20; and Lars Larsen, 19, who also sustained injuries in the incident. They face multiple charges, including recklessly causing a fire resulting in great bodily injury, conspiracy to commit an act injurious to the public, and violating local laws regarding underage drinking. All four individuals have entered pleas of not guilty to the charges.

If convicted, they could receive sentences varying from probation to a maximum of seven years and two months in prison. The legal proceedings continue, with a readiness hearing scheduled for March 18.

The circumstances surrounding the incident raise serious concerns regarding the practices within the fraternity. Reports indicate that the students consumed alcohol prior to the performance, which included the dangerous action of igniting a pledge. Following the incident, it is alleged that the fraternity members attempted to conceal their actions by misleading investigators, deleting incriminating evidence, and instructing witnesses to maintain silence.

In light of the serious nature of the allegations, the SDSU Police Department began an investigation after receiving an anonymous tip about the hazing activities. As a result of the findings, the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity has been placed on interim suspension, prohibiting it from conducting any organizational activities, including parties and recruitment events.

This incident is not an isolated case. Fraternities at SDSU have faced a troubling history of hazing and dangerous behavior. Since 2020, nearly 40% of SDSU’s Greek organizations have been reviewed due to various violations, including alcohol abuse and hazing practices, leading to the expulsion of four fraternities from campus. The university is currently conducting a separate administrative investigation to evaluate the conduct of individual students and the fraternity’s overall actions.

The adverse effects of hazing and fraternity-related misconduct have raised alarms within the university community. These incidents highlight ongoing challenges related to student safety and the pressure placed on pledges to conform to traditions that may endanger their well-being. The university continues to review its policies and practices regarding fraternity and sorority life, aiming to foster a safer environment for all students.

The students involved in this incident have been released from custody under conditions that bar them from attending any fraternity parties or recruitment events while the legal proceedings unfold. The outcomes of this case could have lasting implications for the fraternity system at SDSU and the future of similar organizations on campuses across the country.