Thursday, January 9, 2025

Four fraternity members face charges for setting pledge on fire during house party performance, according to authorities

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Four members of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity at San Diego State University have been charged with criminal offenses after a pledge was set on fire during a skit at a house party. The incident, which occurred on February 17, 2024, resulted in the burn victim, 19-year-old Lars Larsen, suffering third-degree burns on 16% of his body, primarily on his legs. In addition to recklessly causing a fire with great bodily injury, the charges include conspiracy to commit an act injurious to the public and violating the social host ordinance. The District Attorney reported that the accused made efforts to obstruct the investigation by lying to authorities and deleting evidence. All four defendants, including Larsen, pled not guilty and are facing potential sentences ranging from probation to over seven years in prison. Following their arraignment, they have been released under specific conditions, including restrictions on participating in fraternity activities, with future court dates scheduled for March 18 and April 16.

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