Four San Diego County gang members are facing criminal charges in connection with an incident in which one of them, a security guard, was set on fire and caused burns that left him hospitalized for weeks, prosecutors said.
It's the latest chapter in the troubled history of Greek life at SDSU, where fraternities have developed a reputation for dangerous, alcohol-fueled hunting. In 2020, a 19-year-old pledge died after hitting his head when his blood alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit. Then in 2023, a former student sued the school, saying he was dumped in the hospital in an alcohol-induced coma when he promised in 2021.
Now, Caden Cooper, 22; Lucas Cowling, 20; Christopher Serrano, 20; and 19-year-old Lars Larsen were charged with at least one felony count for planning and carrying out a skit that involved setting Larsen on fire at a party, according to the San Diego County District Attorney's Office. The students then tried to cover up the incident by lying to police, suppressing evidence and ordering other members of the group to remain silent and suppress evidence, prosecutors said.
The charges against them include recklessly causing a fire with grievous bodily harm, conspiracy to commit an act harmful to the public and breaching a local law that makes it illegal to provide a place where minors may drink. All have pleaded not guilty.
If convicted, the men face up to seven years and two months in prison, according to prosecutors.
Its burning happened as part of a skit at Kappa Phi Kappa Psi in February 2024. At the time, the members were under investigation for violating the university's alcohol policy, stabbing and student health and safety, according to the DA's Office. school disciplinary letter.
Cooper was the group's president, Cowling was on the Pledge Board, and Serrano and Larsen were pledges, prosecutors said.
After drinking alcohol, the students performed a planned skit, which burned 16% of Larsen's body. He then spent several weeks in the hospital being treated for a third burn, mainly on his legs.
The four brothers were released from prison on the condition that they not join any gangs or participate in any recruitment events. They were arrested on Monday and will appear in court again for a trial on March 18, prosecutors said.
In 2023 and 2024, six organizations were placed on probation at SDSU for violations of school policies, including unauthorized distribution of alcohol, according to the university's website. In addition, four brothers face expulsion from the school starting in 2020 for repeated violations of school policy, including those related to assault, alcohol and drugs.
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