The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has decided not to charge USC student Ivan Gallegos, 19, in the fatal stabbing of homeless man Xavier Cerf, citing self-defense and genuine fear for his life.

The decision comes after a thorough review of evidence surrounding the incident, which unfolded as Ivan Gallegos and two others confronted Xavier Cerf, who was allegedly attempting to break into a car. Gallegos, initially held on a $2 million bail, claimed he believed Cerf had a gun, though none was found. The DA's office concluded that Gallegos acted out of a legitimate fear for his and others' safety. The incident has left both families in turmoil, with Gallegos remaining traumatized and Cerf's mother mourning her son's troubled yet peaceful nature.

The altercation occurred near the University of Southern California campus, adding to the rising concerns about safety in the area. Xavier Cerf, a 27-year-old homeless man, was the individual whom Gallegos and his companions confronted during what they believed to be a car break-in. Cerf was fatally stabbed during the encounter.

Authorities initially booked Ivan Gallegos on a murder charge, and he was held on a $2 million bail. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office later decided not to pursue charges after evaluating the circumstances and evidence, including Gallegos' statement that he believed Cerf was armed. Despite this belief, police officers did not find a gun on Cerf.

The District Attorney’s Office justified its decision by stating that Gallegos acted out of genuine fear for his life and the lives of the other individuals involved in the confrontation. This determination was pivotal in the decision not to file charges against the 19-year-old student.

Gallegos’ mother reported that her son was severely traumatized by the incident and not prepared to make any public statements following his release. She highlighted the deep psychological impact the event had on him.

While Gallegos and his family are dealing with his emotional aftermath, Cerf’s family is grappling with their loss. Cerf’s mother, Yema Jones, shared that her son had been dealing with mental health issues but emphasized that he was a peaceful person. The incident has brought to light the difficulties faced by those like Cerf who live on the streets and struggle with mental health challenges.

Xavier Cerf also had a presence on social media, particularly on TikTok, where he posted videos of himself dancing. He had garnered nearly 2,000 followers, offering a glimpse into a different side of his life, one that his family and followers will remember fondly.

Ivan Gallegos is a business student at USC's Marshall School of Business and is actively involved in the university community. He is a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity and also founded a nonprofit organization called Project Dream. This organization aims to provide guidance and resources to marginalized communities, reflecting Gallegos' commitment to social causes.

The incident has sparked various reactions within the USC community and the broader Los Angeles area. Some residents express relief at the DA's decision, while others feel the tragedy underscores the complex intersections of safety, homelessness, and mental health.