The fire happened on February 17, 2024, at a large party hosted at the fraternity’s house, despite the chapter being on probation. The fraternity had been instructed to follow university policies during this period, but prosecutors allege that instead, they planned a reckless skit involving fire.

Fraternity president Caden Cooper, 22, is said to have overseen the event, where pledges, including Christopher Serrano, 20, and Lucas Cowling, 20, drank alcohol before performing the skit. During the act, Larsen was set on fire and suffered severe burns, mainly to his legs.

The charges against Cooper, Serrano, and Cowling include reckless arson causing serious injury, conspiracy to commit harm, and violating the social host ordinance.

Larsen, the injured pledge, is also facing charges. Prosecutors claim he, along with the other fraternity members, tried to cover up the incident by lying to investigators, deleting evidence on social media, and urging others to destroy evidence and remain silent about the event.

All four men have pleaded not guilty. They were released on Monday with strict conditions, including a ban on participating in fraternity events and recruitment activities.

The university has launched its own investigation into the students and the fraternity, placing Phi Kappa Psi on interim suspension. While further disciplinary measures are under review, details are being kept confidential due to student privacy laws. The university emphasized its commitment to campus safety and the expectation that students adhere to high standards of conduct.

This case is part of a troubling pattern at San Diego State University, where at least six fraternities have been placed on probation in the past two years for violating university rules.