The University of Southern California student who stabbed a homeless man to death after allegedly catching him breaking into cars will not face charges.
Ivan Gallegos, 19, was arrested in Los Angeles on Monday after stabbing 27-year-old Xavier Cerf on Greek Row.
Authorities say the student was walking with two friends when they saw Cerf, who had been released from a mental health facility the same day, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
The group reportedly saw Cerf breaking into cars and confronted him before Gallego stabbed him four times, killing him.
Gallegos remained at the scene and was taken into custody on suspicion of murder.
University of Southern California student Ivan Gallegos who stabbed a homeless man to death after catching him breaking into cars will not be charged
He told police he was acting in self-defense after Cerf allegedly said he had a gun, but no weapon was found at the scene, according to police.
Gallego’s friend Rafael Cadenas confirmed his story, claiming that Cerf “made gestures, put his hands down his pants,” [indicating] that he had a gun.”
Cadenas added, “We could have had three dead USC students in the USC community, and that would have been very unfortunate and tragic.”
Gallego’s family claims he carried a knife for protection as students have previously been targeted by criminals in the area.
District Attorney George Gascón cited self-defense as the reason behind his decision not to charge Gallegos.
In a statement, he said: “After careful consideration and a thorough review of all available evidence, we have decided not to file charges against USC student Ivan Gallegos.”
Gallegos, 19, was arrested in Los Angeles after stabbing 27-year-old Xavier Cerf (pictured)
The student was walking with two friends when they saw Cerf on Greek Row
“We believe that Mr. Gallegos’ actions were motivated by a genuine fear for his life and the lives of others. “Our hearts go out to the family, friends of the deceased and everyone affected by this tragic incident,” he added.
Cerf’s mother Yema Jones told the story NBC from her home in Texas that she is angry and confused about the district attorney’s decision.
‘You took a life. You took my son. You took my baby, my baby,” the grieving mother said.
“Are you all saying you can’t call campus security or hold him without hurting him?
“You’re three against one. One had a pole and one had a knife. I think you all meant to do what you all did.”
Cerf’s mother Yema Jones told NBC from her home in Texas that she is angry and confused about the district attorney’s decision
Jones said Cerf moved to LA in February and was released from mental health care the same day he was killed.
She started with one GoFundMe to raise money to bring Cerf’s body back to Texas.
Cerf is survived by a three-year-old son, Anthony.
He had a TikTok account with almost 2,000 followers where he shared videos of himself dancing alone or with family or friends.
Cerf had been arrested on April 28 during a citizen’s arrest for alleged battery.
A warrant was issued for his arrest when he failed to show up for his hearing on June 12.
According to his LinkedIn, Gallegos is a sophomore at USC studying business administration.
He also describes himself as an “aspiring regional music artist and producer.” His stage name is IDG.
USC Annenberg Media had recently written a profile on him, calling him “LA’s rising Corrido and Reggaetón artist.”
The piece stated that Gallego was born and raised in a rough part of East LA and that his parents were allegedly involved in gangs.
“Despite growing up in an environment full of drugs, gangs and prostitution, he focused on music and honed his skills to become a versatile instrument and singer,” Annenberg Media wrote about Gallegos.
He has performed with the Mariachi band Los Troyanos and also produces reggaetón and electric dance music.