The University of Southern California student who stabbed a homeless man to death after allegedly catching him breaking into cars will not face any charges.
Ivan Gallegos, 19, was arrested in Los Angeles on Monday after stabbing Xavier Cerf, 27, 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, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The group reportedly saw Cerf break into cars and confronted him before Gallego stabbed him four times, killing him.
Gallegos remained at the scene and was arrested on suspicion of murder.
Ivan Gallegos, a University of Southern California student who stabbed a homeless man to death after catching him breaking into cars, will not face any charges.
He told police he acted 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, corroborated his story, stating that Cerf ‘made a gesture, put his hands in his pants, (indicating) that he had a gun.’
Cadenas added: “We could have had three USC students killed in the USC community, and that would have been very unfortunate and tragic.”
Gallego’s family has claimed that he had a knife to protect himself because the students had previously been attacked by criminals in the area.
District Attorney George Gascón cited self-defense as the reason behind his decision not to file charges against Gallegos.
In a statement he said: “After careful consideration and a thorough review of all available evidence, we have decided not to pursue 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 of the deceased, his friends and all those affected by this tragic incident,” he added.
Cerf’s mother, Yema Jones, said NBC from her home in Texas who is angry and confused by the district attorney’s decision.
‘You took a life. You took my son. You took my baby, my baby,’ the grieving mother said.
“You all want to tell me that you couldn’t call campus security or hold him down without hurting him?”
It’s three of you, all against one. One had a stick and the other a knife. I feel like it was your intention to do what you all have done.’
Cerf’s mother, Yema Jones, told NBC from her home in Texas that she is angry and confused by the district attorney’s decision.
Jones said Cerf moved to Los Angeles in February and was released from mental health treatment the same day he was killed.
she has started a GoFundMe to raise funds to bring Cerf’s body back to Texas.
Cerf leaves behind 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 detained on April 28 in a citizen arrest for an alleged assault.
An arrest warrant was issued for him when he failed to appear for his hearing on June 12.
Cerf leaves behind a three-year-old son, Anthony
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 about him, naming him ‘LA’s next corrido and reggaeton artist.’
The article said Gallego was born and raised in a rough area of East Los Angeles and his parents were said to have been involved in gangs.
“Despite growing up in an environment saturated with drugs, gangs and prostitution, he focused on music and honed his skills to become a multi-faceted instrument and vocalist,” Annenberg Media wrote about Gallegos.
He performed with the mariachi Los Troyanos and also produces reggaeton and electric dance music.