A Los Angeles college student remains behind bars Wednesday after police charged him with stabbing to death a man believed to be homeless for breaking into his car.

Authorities said Ivan Gallegos, a 19-year-old business student at the University of Southern California, is facing murder charges in the slaying of Xavier Cerf, 27, Monday night along the university’s Greek Row.

Police said Mr. Gallegos and two friends walked out to the suspect’s car when they noticed a man busting into his vehicle.

LAPD Chief Dominic Choi said the man allegedly told the trio he had a gun, prompting Mr. Gallegos to stab the victim.

Officers pronounced Mr. Cerf dead at the scene. Police didn’t say if a gun was found on the victim.

Mr. Gallegos cooperated with law enforcement and was taken into custody without incident.

The suspect is jailed on a $2 million bond, according to Los Angeles County jail records.

• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.