In a tragic incident on Greek Row, USC student Ivan Gallegos has been taken into custody on suspicion of murder after a confrontation with Xavier Cerf, a 27-year-old man who had allegedly broken into a car. The incident has raised questions about self-defense, campus safety, and the use of lethal force.

The altercation took place as Gallegos and his friends encountered Cerf on 28th Street. Moments later, Cerf was found on the ground with fatal stab wounds. Despite claims of acting in self-defense, Gallegos now faces scrutiny from Los Angeles County prosecutors who are considering criminal charges.

Gallegos' mother, Violet, has started a GoFundMe campaign to support her son's defense. She argues that Gallegos found himself in this situation due to the lack of safety measures around the USC campus. Meanwhile, Cerf's mother, Yema Jones, is devastated by her son's death and believes he was a peaceful person despite his past struggles with mental health.

According to California law, self-defense claims must be proportional to the threat faced by the individual. While Gallegos alleged that Cerf mentioned having a gun, no firearm was recovered from the scene. Legal experts emphasize that Gallegos cannot attack someone and then claim self-defense based on lethal force.

The investigation is ongoing, and prosecutors will carefully consider Gallegos' credibility, cooperation, and the details of the confrontation. Defense attorney Louis Shapiro suggests that a jury's sympathy towards Gallegos' perspective may play a crucial role in the outcome of the case.

Xavier Cerf's death has left his mother searching for answers. Described as a vibrant and non-violent individual, she expresses her disbelief at the portrayal of her son in the aftermath of the incident.

Public records show that Cerf had previous encounters with law enforcement, including recent arrests for various misdemeanors. However, Jones emphasizes that her son's character should not be judged solely based on these incidents.

As the legal process unfolds, the case highlights the importance of campus safety measures and the necessity of understanding the appropriate use of force in self-defense situations. The tragic events on Greek Row have brought sadness and shock to both families involved, leaving many hoping for a thorough and fair investigation.

Jones is now facing the challenge of bringing her son's body back to Texas and is seeking financial assistance. She urges people not to mischaracterize Cerf based on the events of that fateful day, reminding everyone that he was loved.

The community awaits further updates as prosecutors examine the evidence and determine the next steps in this deeply troubling case.