A Ceres man was arrested and charged in the stabbing of two men in Empire on Easter Sunday.

The stabbing preceded an unrelated fatal shooting in the same unincorporated town east of Modesto.

The stabbing took place at about 10:30 a.m. during a family altercation in the 5200 block of South Avenue in Empire. The condition of both victims was initially considered serious and both men underwent surgery at separate local hospitals. Both are expected to survive.

Ricardo Rivera, 26, of Ceres was arrested and booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on two counts of assault with a deadly weapon. He remains jailed in lieu of $50,000 bail while awaiting arraignment.

Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Sgt. Luke Schwartz said that it appears there is no connection between the double stabbing and the shooting that occurred at 8:22 p.m. in the 100 block of C Street in Empire. Deputies found 36-year-old Empire resident Christopher Anstine mortally shot. Paramedics attempted to render first aid but Anstine succumbed to his wounds.

Detectives are investigating the homicide. The department did not disclose any suspect information at this early stage in the investigation.

Those with tips about the shooting may contact Detective Fisher at (209) 525-7083 or Sgt. Dias at (209) 226-5206. Tipsters may also remain anonymous by submitting their tips to Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 or submit tips at www.Stancrimetips.org or by using the mobile app “P3” which may result in eligibility for a cash reward.