USC Student Cleared in Fatal Stabbing of Homeless Man During Car Break-In

District Attorney rules Ivan Gallegos acted in self-defense after confrontation with Xavier Cerf on Greek Row.

Ivan Gallegos, 19, was initially arrested on suspicion of murder and held on $2 million bail.
The incident occurred after Gallegos and two others confronted Cerf, who was breaking into a car.
Gallegos claimed Cerf threatened to have a gun, though no weapon was found at the scene.
Prosecutors determined Gallegos's actions were driven by a genuine fear for his life and others.
Cerf's family disputes the portrayal of him as violent, noting his struggles with mental health.