DA declines to file charges against USC student in fatal Greek Row shooting – Orange County Register

A 19-year-old USC student who confronted and fatally stabbed a man he witnessed breaking into cars near the university's Greek Row will face no criminal charges, the district attorney's office announced Thursday.

“After careful consideration and review of all available evidence, we have decided not to pursue charges against USC student Ivan Gallegos,” Prosecutor George Gascón said in a statement. “We believe Mr. Gallegos’ actions were motivated by a genuine fear for his life and the lives of others. Our thoughts are with the family, friends and everyone affected by this tragic incident.

Gallegos had been jailed on suspicion of murder for the Monday evening stabbing of Xavier Cerf, 27, who was pronounced dead at the scene around 8:15 p.m. Monday in the 700 block of West 28th Street, east of University Avenue.