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USC student released after fatal stabbing

A 19-year-old student at USC, Ivan Gallegos, will not face charges for the fatal stabbing of 28-year-old Xavier Cerf. Gallegos was arrested on June 17 for stabbing Cerf to death who was allegedly breaking into a car.

The incident occurred outside Gallegos’ USC fraternity house. According to the Los Angeles District Attorney, Gallegos and two witnesses heard the alarm go off from the vehicle and saw Cerf in the car, when they decided to interfere. One witness called 911 to report the break-in while Gallegos and other witnesses approached Cerf. According to witnesses, Cerf claimed that he had a gun and reached for his waistband, when Gallegos grabbed his hands and stabbed him four times. A gun was never recovered.

Cerf walked away from the car while Gallegos and the other witnesses returned to the fraternity home to wait for the police. When the paramedics arrived, Cerf was pronounced deceased, and Gallegos was booked for murder and held on $2 million bail.

After reviewing evidence and speaking with Gallegos and witnesses, District Attorney George Gascón declined to pursue charges.

“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,” District Attorney Gascón said.

Gallegos has since received widespread support on social media and from those that know him. A woman that works at the fraternity house explained that his friends told her what happened when she arrived the next day.

“They are very sad, concerned, worried," she said. "Because young person life and future, and unfortunately happened bad for him and the other person."

Several other students have experienced issues with break-ins near the USC campus. USC’s Department of Public Safety is attempting to increase resources to combat the rise in homelessness, but it is still a challenge.

While the DA believes it was self-defense, Cerf’s family expressed disappointment in the decision. Cerf’s uncle, Detorrian Jones, spoke out.

“I think they took justice into their own hands," Jones said. "They should've called the police and let them do their jobs."

According to Jones, he does not believe it is self-defense when the other person is unarmed. “That doesn't give you the right," he said.