San Diego State Fraternity Members Charged Over Hazing Incident Involving Fire

Four Phi Kappa Psi members face felony charges after a pledge suffered severe burns during a party skit in February 2024.

Four San Diego State University fraternity members were charged with felonies, including recklessly causing a fire with great bodily injury and conspiracy to commit an act injurious to the public.
The incident occurred during a pre-planned skit at a Phi Kappa Psi party, where one pledge was set on fire and sustained third-degree burns on 16% of his body, primarily on his legs.
The fraternity was already on probation for prior violations related to alcohol and hazing at the time of the party.
Prosecutors allege that three of the accused attempted to obstruct the investigation by lying to authorities, deleting evidence from social media, and instructing others to do the same.
If convicted on all charges, the defendants face sentences ranging from probation to over seven years in prison, with court hearings scheduled for March and April 2025.