“Bond of Cruelty: Fraternity Brother Indicted for Horrific Initiation Rituals at San Diego State University Party”
Four members of San Diego State University’s Phi Kappa Psi fraternity are facing felony charges after a skit at a party last year resulted in one of the pledges being set on fire. The incident occurred on February 17, 2019, when the fraternity performed a skit at a party, which led to the pledge being burned, covering more than 16 percent of his body.
According to prosecutors, Caden Cooper, 22, Lucas Cowling, 20, Christopher Serrano, 20, and Lars Larsen, 19, were each charged with reckless causing of a fire causing grievous bodily harm, conspiracy to cause harm to members of the public, and breach of social host regulations. If convicted of all charges, the defendants could face up to seven years in prison.
The skit, which was performed by Cowling, Serrano, and Larsen, was part of a party at the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity house. During the performance, Serrano set Larsen on fire, resulting in Larsen being hospitalized for several weeks with third-degree burns, mostly to his legs.
The investigation into the incident revealed that Cowling, Serrano, and Larsen had planned the skit, and that Larson was the one who was set on fire. The three men also lied to law enforcement, deleted evidence from social media, and instructed other fraternity members to delete any evidence and not speak to anyone about the incident.
The university has faced several investigations and disciplinary actions in recent years, including the suspension of at least six fraternity chapters. In 2020, a freshman died from a fractured skull after falling from a bunk bed after having a drink with a fraternity the night before.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of Greek life on college campuses, particularly with regards to hazing, alcohol, and party culture. Many experts have spoken out about the need for more stringent regulations and enforcement to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Q: What happened during the skit at the party?
A: During the skit, Serrano set Larsen on fire, resulting in Larsen being hospitalized for several weeks with third-degree burns, mostly to his legs.
Q: Who was charged in the incident?
A: Caden Cooper, 22, Lucas Cowling, 20, Christopher Serrano, 20, and Lars Larsen, 19, were each charged with reckless causing of a fire causing grievous bodily harm, conspiracy to cause harm to members of the public, and breach of social host regulations.
Q: What are the potential consequences for the defendants if they are convicted of all charges?
A: If convicted of all charges, the defendants could face up to seven years in prison.
Q: Has the university faced other investigations and disciplinary actions?
A: Yes, the university has faced several investigations and disciplinary actions in recent years, including the suspension of at least six fraternity chapters.
Q: What is the impact of this incident on Greek life on college campuses?
A: The incident has raised concerns about the safety of Greek life on college campuses, particularly with regards to hazing, alcohol, and party culture. Many experts have spoken out about the need for more stringent regulations and enforcement to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
In conclusion, the incident at San Diego State University’s Phi Kappa Psi fraternity is a disturbing reminder of the dangers of hazing, reckless behavior, and party culture on college campuses. The four defendants charged in the incident are facing significant legal consequences, but the impact of this incident goes far beyond the individuals involved. It highlights the need for more stringent regulations and enforcement to ensure the safety and well-being of all students, particularly those involved in Greek life.
