Victory for USC student who stabbed homeless man to death after catching him breaking into cars outside frat house

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 he stabbed 27-year-old Xavier Cerf on Greek Row.

Authorities say the student was walking with two friends when they spotted 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 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, claiming Cerf 'gestured, put his hands in his pants, [indicating] that he had a gun.'

Cadenas added: 'We could’ve had three dead USC students in the USC community, and that would’ve been very unfortunate and tragic'. 

Gallego's family has claimed he had a knife on him for protection because students have previously been targeted by criminals in the area. 

District Attorney George Gascón cited self-defense as the reason behind his decision to not charge 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 he stabbed 27-year-old Xavier Cerf (pictured)

The student was walking with two friends when they spotted Cerf on Greek Row 

'We believe that Mr. Gallegos’s actions were driven by a genuine fear for his life and the lives of others. Our heart goes out to the deceased’s family, friends and everyone impacted by this tragic incident,' he added.

Cerf's mother Yema Jones told NBC from her home in Texas that she is angry and confused about the DA's decision.

'You took a life. You took my son. You took my baby, my baby,' the grieving mother said.

'You all mean to tell me you couldn’t call campus security or hold him down without hurting him?

'It’s three of you all against one. One had a pole, and one had a knife. I feel it was already your intention 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 DA's decision

Jones said Cerf moved to LA in February and was released from mental health treatment the same day he was killed.

She has started a GoFundMe to collect funds to bring Cerf's body back to Texas. 

Cerf leaves behind a three-year-old son, Anthony.

He had a TikTok account with nearly 2,000 followers where he shared videos of himself dancing alone or with family or friends. 

Cerf had been arrested on April 28 in a citizen's arrest for an alleged battery. 

A bench warrant was issued for his arrest when he failed to show up for his hearing on June 12. 

Cerf leaves behind a three-year-old son, Anthony

According to his LinkedIn, Gallegos, seen with his mother, is a sophomore at USC studying business administration

USC Annenberg Media had recently written a profile on him, naming him 'LA's upcoming Corrido and Reggaetón artist'

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 artist name is IDG.

USC Annenberg Media had recently written a profile on him, naming him 'LA's upcoming Corrido and Reggaetón artist.'

The piece said Gallego was born and raised in a rough part of East LA 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 sharpened his skills to become a multifaceted instrument and vocalist,' Annenberg Media wrote about Gallegos.

He performed with Mariachi band Los Troyanos and also produces reggaetón and electric dance music.