Los Angeles, California — More than two years after a 17-year-old honor student was fatally stabbed while waiting for his family after school, the man responsible has been sentenced to decades in prison.
Los Angeles County prosecutors announced that David Anthony Zapata, 35, received a sentence of 24 years to life in state prison after pleading no contest to the murder of Xavier Chavarin and the attempted murder of another man in separate attacks that occurred on the same day.
The sentencing brings a measure of closure to a case that deeply affected the El Sereno community and the teenager’s grieving family.
Honor Student Attacked While Waiting for His Family
According to prosecutors, the attack happened on March 3, 2023, outside a restaurant on Valley Boulevard in El Sereno.
Xavier Chavarin, a 17-year-old honors student at Woodrow Wilson High School, had finished school and was waiting for his mother, stepfather, and two younger sisters to pick him up.
Authorities said Zapata approached the teenager from behind and stabbed him with a large knife before fleeing the area.
Family members later said the attack occurred without warning while Xavier was simply waiting to go home. Despite emergency medical efforts, the teenager died from his injuries.
Second Victim Survived Separate Attack
Prosecutors said the violence did not end with Xavier’s death. Several hours later, Zapata allegedly carried out another unprovoked stabbing roughly 1.5 miles away.
The second victim, Daniel Villalobos, then 33, was attacked multiple times in a parking lot. Villalobos survived after being transported to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.
Authorities later connected both attacks during the investigation. Days after the incidents, police arrested Zapata following a standoff at his home.
Investigators previously described both attacks as random acts of violence with no known confrontation between the victims and the suspect.
“These were senseless attacks,” LAPD Lt. Ryan Rabbett said in 2023.
“No confrontation, no words exchanged. Really just spontaneous and brutal.”
Defendant Sentenced to Life in Prison
On May 6, Zapata pleaded no contest to one count of murder and one count of attempted murder. His sentence includes 24 years to life in prison, along with a consecutive nine-year term for the attempted murder conviction.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said the punishment reflects the seriousness of the crimes.
“Xavier Chavarin was a 17-year-old honors student with his entire future ahead of him. His life was stolen in a sudden, unprovoked attack that forever changed his family’s lives.”
“While nothing can undo that loss, this sentence ensures the defendant will be held accountable for his crimes.”
Family Remembers a Bright Future Cut Short
During the sentencing hearing, Xavier’s father addressed the man convicted of killing his son.
“You’re a coward. You killed my son,” Daniel Chavarin said in court.
Loved ones have continued remembering Xavier not only for his academic success but also for the promise he showed as a young man with his entire future ahead of him.
The case has resonated throughout the community, highlighting the devastating consequences of random acts of violence and the lasting impact such tragedies leave on families.
Although the sentence closes the criminal case, Xavier’s family continues to mourn the loss of a son, student, and brother whose life ended far too soon.
What are your thoughts on this case? Share your condolences for Xavier’s family and your thoughts on preventing random acts of violence respectfully in the comments below.
