USC Student Accused of Fatally Stabbing Suspected Car Burglar

USC Student Accused of Fatally Stabbing Suspected Car Burglar

3 minute read
Published: 6/19/2024

A 19-year-old USC student, Ivan Gallegos, is accused of fatally stabbing a man suspected of breaking into cars near campus on Monday night, prompting a police investigation and leaving the student held on $2 million bail.

Ivan Gallegos, a business administration student and member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity, encountered the suspected car burglar on Greek Row, leading to a fatal altercation. While Gallegos claimed the man was armed, no gun was found. This incident has not only triggered a homicide investigation by the LAPD but also raised concerns within the USC community, with the university yet to comment on the case.

The confrontation occurred around 8 p.m. on the 700 block of West 28th Street, a location known for its high concentration of student housing and fraternity houses. The area, commonly referred to as Greek Row, is typically bustling with student activity, making the incident all the more shocking to the community.

The victim, whose identity has not been released, was allegedly confronted by Gallegos while suspected of breaking into cars in the vicinity. Gallegos reportedly told police officers that he believed the man was armed with a gun. However, no firearm was recovered at the scene by the authorities, adding an element of uncertainty to the narrative surrounding the altercation.

Gallegos, who has been a part of the USC community as a business administration major, was arrested at the scene of the altercation. He is currently being held on $2 million bail. His arrest marks a significant legal development in what has become a high-profile investigation managed by the L.A. Police Department's South Bureau Homicide Division.

The exact circumstances of the encounter between Gallegos and the victim remain under investigation. Details such as whether there was a struggle before the stabbing and how the confrontation escalated to a fatal encounter are still unclear. Investigators are actively working to piece together the events leading up to the incident.

Dennis Romero, reporting for NBC News Digital, along with Lindsay Good, has brought attention to the tragic event, emphasizing the immediate response from law enforcement and the ongoing inquiry. According to their report, USC has not yet provided an official statement regarding the incident or the involvement of one of its students.

Gallegos is known within the student community not only for his academic pursuits but also for his involvement in the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. In a previous profile by USC Annenberg Media, Gallegos shared his experiences growing up in East Los Angeles and expressed a deep passion for music. This background provides a stark contrast to the current situation, which has thrust him into the legal spotlight.

As the investigation continues, the USC community remains in a state of unease, grappling with the implications of the incident. The lack of immediate response from the university has left many students and faculty waiting for official guidance and support. Campus security and the safety of students are likely to become focal points in the aftermath of the tragic event.

The LAPD is urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation. Witnesses and those familiar with the events of that night are crucial to providing clarity and context to the case.