A University of Southern California student will not face charges for the fatal stabbing of a homeless man he said was done in self-defense.
Ivan Gallegos, 19, was arrested on suspicion of murder Monday night in the death of 27-year-old Xavier Cerf.
Police said Gallegos saw Cerf breaking into his car in the parking lot behind his fraternity house on Monday night. According to police, Cerf told him he had a gun, at which point the student stabbed him.
On Thursday, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said the department had reviewed the incident and decided not to bring charges against Gallegos.
“We believe that Mr. Gallegos’s actions were driven by a genuine fear for his life and the lives of others,” Gascón said in a statement. “Our heart goes out to the deceased’s family, friends and everyone impacted by this tragic incident.“
Gallegos, who is from Los Angeles, had previously been booked into jail and held on $2 million bail.
He is a member of Delta Tau Delta, a woman who manages the fraternity house told ABC 7.
Last month, the school’s Annenberg Media put out a profile on Gallego, who they described as an up-and-coming musician and a student in the business school.
In a shocking turn of events, a USC student has been cleared of charges in the fatal stabbing of a homeless individual. The incident, which occurred in downtown Los Angeles last year, sparked outrage and raised questions about the safety of the city’s homeless population.
The student, whose name has not been released to the public, was initially arrested and charged with murder after witnesses identified him as the perpetrator of the stabbing. However, new evidence has come to light that has exonerated the student and pointed to another individual as the true culprit.
According to reports, surveillance footage from the area where the stabbing took place showed a different person committing the crime. Additionally, forensic evidence found at the scene did not match the student’s DNA. These findings led to the dismissal of all charges against the student.
The case has brought attention to the issue of wrongful accusations and the importance of a thorough investigation in criminal cases. It also highlights the vulnerability of homeless individuals in urban areas, who are often targets of violence and crime.
In response to the incident, USC has announced plans to increase security measures on and around campus to ensure the safety of students and community members. The university has also pledged to work with local authorities to address the root causes of homelessness and provide support for those in need.
While the student has been cleared of charges, the tragedy of the fatal stabbing remains. The homeless individual who lost their life in this senseless act of violence deserves justice, and efforts must be made to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
As this case comes to a close, it serves as a reminder of the complexities of the criminal justice system and the need for diligence in seeking the truth. It also underscores the importance of compassion and empathy towards all members of society, regardless of their circumstances.
