Trashed Frat House Puts Owners’ Hopes on Hold

Sacramento and Jorge Restrepo came to the United States from their native Colombia a quarter-century ago, about the time the Sigma Pi fraternity brothers began renting a fourplex a few blocks from the Cal State Fullerton campus.

After a lifetime of working as welders, the Santa Ana brothers sold their homes about 18 months ago and used the money to buy that frat house -- a rental investment they hoped would fund their retirements.

On Friday, they were still picking through the rubble after police say the house was vandalized when the fraternity was evicted for falling three months’ behind on their $4,100-a-month rent.

“Where they come from, young men don’t act this way -- especially university students. They have more respect for themselves and others,” said Edgar Restrepo, Sacramento’s 27-year-old son. “My dad worked two, three shifts a day all his life to acquire what he has gotten. To have this done to him ... there are no excuses for this.”

Fullerton police continue to investigate the incident, which occurred late Monday or early Tuesday after a final party at the house.

More than $100,000 in damage was done. Bathroom fixtures and windows were smashed. Holes were punched in walls and paint splattered inside and out. A balcony was torn off the building and broken furniture was dumped in a courtyard.

“It’s pretty bad -- totally trashed,” said Fullerton Police Lt. Doug Cave, who said the investigation is focusing on 14 men who reportedly were recently expelled from Sigma Pi. “There was a strong intent to do as much damage as possible,” he said.

University officials also are investigating and could punish those responsible.

“I don’t think we’ve ever had anything like this happen,” said Shari Scott, coordinator for Greek life on campus.

Other fraternities have reached out to the Restrepo brothers, offering to help clean up and make repairs to the former Sigma Pi house. At a meeting Friday, they also agreed to raise money for the effort.

Edgar Restrepo said his father and uncle appreciate the offers, but will let their insurance company handle the mess.

They plan to rent the fourplex again, but “definitely not to another frat,” Edgar Restrepo said. “And not to college students.”