Full Notification

Empire, CA - 

On Sunday, April 17, 2022, at 8:22 p.m., Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies were dispatched to a residence located in the 100 block of “C” Street in Empire on reports of a gunshot wound victim.  

Upon their arrival, they located an adult male suffering from significant life-threatening injuries.  Paramedics attempted to perform emergency first aid; however, the victim unfortunately succumbed to those gunshot wounds.  

Detectives assumed control of the crime scene and took over the homicide investigation.  The victim in the Empire homicide has been identified as 36-year-old Empire resident Christopher Anstine.  There is no disclosable suspect information at this early stage in the investigation.

The stabbing took place Sunday at about 10:30 a.m.m in the 5200 block of South Avenue in Empire.  The  victim’s conditions were initially considered serious, yet non-life threatening stabbing injuries.  Both adult males underwent surgery at separate local area hospitals.    

Ricardo Rivera, 26, of Ceres was later arrested and booked for two counts of assault with a deadly weapon.  He remains jailed at the Public Safety Center in lieu of $50,000 bail while awaiting his arraignment.  The parties involved in the family altercation were previously acquainted with one another.        

At this time, there is no believed connection between the shooting and the earlier double stabbing assault.  

Tipsters can contact Detective Fisher at 209-525-7083 or Sgt. Dias at 209-226-5206.

Callers can also choose to remain anonymous by submitting their tips to Crime Stoppers at 209-521-4636.  

Tipsters can also submit tips at www.Stancrimetips.org or by using the mobile app “P3” which may result in your eligibility for a cash reward.