Homeless man killed while allegedly breaking into cars outside USC frat house identified
The man fatally stabbed during an altercation because he was allegedly breaking into cars on USC’s Greek Row in Los Angeles Monday night has been identified by coroner’s officials.
Police found the man, named as 27-year-old Xavier Cerf, fatally stabbed in an alleyway when responding to the incident in the 700 block of West 28th Street in the University Park neighborhood around 8:15 p.m.
Authorities said Cerf, who is believed to be homeless, was involved in a confrontation with 19-year-old USC business student Ivan Gallegos after Gallegos and two friends allegedly witnessed Cerf burglarizing cars.
Ivan Gallegos, 19, was arrested for the fatal stabbing of an unhoused man reportedly burglarizing a vehicle near USC’s Greek row on June 17, 2024. (viewer photo) Officers investigate a stabbing outside a fraternity house near USC on June 18, 2024. (KTLA) Police investigate a fatal stabbing on USC’s Greek Row on June 17, 2024. (KNN News)
At some point during the altercation, Gallegos allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed Cerf multiple times.
Cerf was pronounced dead at the scene.
Gallegos remained at the scene and told investigators that he was acting in self-defense and that Cerf told him he was armed with a gun.
WATCH: LAPD officer fires beanbag round at armed man
Gallegos, who has no criminal record, was arrested and booked on suspicion of murder.
He is being held on $2 million bail.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
