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.
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.
Gallegos, who has no criminal record, was arrested and booked on suspicion of murder.
He is being held on $2 million bail.