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.

San Diego frat boys plead not guilty to setting pledge on fire - Prosecutors claim four students involved in house party stunt that left teenager with third-degree burns

Four San Diego State University fraternity members pleaded not guilty Monday to criminal charges stemming from a skit that allegedly involved intentionally setting one of the defendants 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 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.

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.

Prosecutors said that a skit last year left a San Diego State University student with third-degree burns over 16 percent of his body.

SAN DIEGO, California — A student pledging a fraternity at San Diego State University suffered serious burns when he was set on fire during a “skit” and now four members of the fraternity are facing criminal charges, prosecutors say.

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 ...