A 19-year-old USC student, Ivan Gallegos, has been arrested and charged with murder following a fatal stabbing on the university’s Greek Row.
The victim, identified as 27-year-old Xavier Cerf, was allegedly attempting to burglarize cars in the area when the incident occurred.
According to police reports, Gallegos and two friends witnessed Cerf breaking into vehicles near the Delta Tau Delta fraternity house on West 28th Street.
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Gallegos confronted Cerf, leading to an altercation that escalated quickly. During the confrontation, Gallegos allegedly stabbed Cerf multiple times, resulting in his death at the scene.
Gallegos, who has no prior criminal record, remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. He claimed self-defense, stating that Cerf threatened him with a gun. However, investigators did not find a weapon on Cerf.
The incident has shocked the USC community, particularly those residing in the Greek Row area. While some students expressed concerns about safety and the prevalence of car burglaries, others were surprised by the level of violence involved.
A student property manager, whose building on Greek Row is just two doors down from Delta Tau Delta, shared with KTLA that their property has also been broken into recently. The incident involving Gallegos and Cerf has left students in the area feeling confused and concerned about their safety. They are now grappling with questions about how to protect themselves and their belongings in the face of increasing crime.
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“Someone lost a life yesterday, so I feel horrible that happened,” the student, identified only as Allison, said to KTLA. “At the same time, I’m a student myself. I’m a woman. I think of all of us being students, anybody really, you’re in a vulnerable position. What are you supposed to do, wait until the gun gets pulled out in front of you?”
Gallegos is currently being held on a $2 million bail. The case is under investigation, and authorities are gathering additional evidence to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the fatal stabbing.
The incident raises questions about the appropriate use of force in self-defense situations and the potential consequences of vigilante actions. It also highlights the ongoing issue of property crime in the area and the need for increased security measures.
USC officials have expressed condolences to Cerf’s family and are cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation. The university is also providing support services to students affected by the incident.
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