USC student Ivan Gallegos, 19, will not face charges in the fatal stabbing of 27-year-old Xavier Cerf, a homeless man, after the DA ruled the June 17th incident near campus was self-defense.

The decision followed an investigation by the District Attorney, who concluded that Gallegos acted out of genuine fear for his life, believing Cerf had a gun when he allegedly attempted to break into a car. The incident, which unfolded on a busy Greek Row street near USC, saw Gallegos initially booked on suspicion of murder and held on $2 million bail before his release. The case has sparked discussions over self-defense laws and the challenges faced by both students and the homeless population in the area.

The altercation began when Gallegos and two others confronted Cerf, who was allegedly attempting to break into a car. According to statements, Gallegos believed that Cerf had a firearm, although no gun was found at the scene after the incident. This belief formed part of the basis for the self-defense claim upheld by District Attorney George Gascón.

Gascón's statement emphasized that Gallegos acted out of genuine fear for his life and the lives of others present. 'Given the circumstances and Gallegos' belief that Cerf was armed, the decision to not file charges aligns with self-defense laws,' Gascón noted.

Gallegos, a business student at USC's Marshall School of Business and a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity, was initially booked on suspicion of murder and held on $2 million bail. He was later released following the DA's decision. Gallegos has a background of overcoming challenges, having founded a nonprofit organization and grown up in a rough environment in East Los Angeles.

The victim, Xavier Cerf, had recently been hospitalized for mental health issues and was released just on the day of his death. Cerf's mother, Yema Jones, described her son as a non-violent individual who loved dancing and comedy. Jones has expressed her disbelief and sorrow over the loss of her son under such circumstances.

The incident has reignited discussions about the safety and dynamics of the areas surrounding USC, particularly the interactions between students and the homeless population. The tensions between these communities have been a growing concern, especially in densely populated and economically diverse neighborhoods like University Park.

Gallegos' encounter with Cerf took place on a street known for its fraternity houses, frequently referred to as Greek Row, which sees a significant amount of foot traffic from students. This environment has faced scrutiny in the past due to incidents involving both public safety and property crimes.

University officials have yet to release a formal statement regarding the incident, though student safety continues to be a top priority. The university's public safety team is reportedly in collaboration with local law enforcement to enhance security measures and prevent future altercations of this nature.

Meanwhile, community activists have raised concerns about the broader issues of mental health and homelessness that may have contributed to the tragic event. Calls for more supportive services and intervention programs for the homeless and mentally ill have been echoed by several local organizations.

As the case concludes without charges against Gallegos, discussions about how self-defense laws are applied in complex urban environments are likely to continue. Legal experts suggest that such cases highlight the difficult balance between ensuring public safety and protecting individual rights.