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.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lawsuit Filed Against SDSU and Fraternity Over Hazing Incident
Additional Resources
- CBS 8 News
- Wikipedia: Hazing
- LA Times
- Google Search: Hazing at Universities
- NBC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fraternity
- Fox 5 San Diego
- Google News: SDSU Fraternity Incident
- Courthouse News
- Google Scholar: Hazing Effects
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
