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One dead in dispute over loud music
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Ceres police arrested the man they say stabbed a man to death in a dispute over loud music being played in the Richland Avenue apartment complex late Friday evening.

Apparently persons in two apartment units - an upstairs unit and the one below it - got involved in a heated altercation before the fatal stabbing of Diego Tovar, 32. The attack took place at 11:43 p.m. at the complex at 1301 Richland Avenue.

Three others were injured in the attack.

When police arrived Tovar was receiving CPR from family members but he died a short time later at a Modesto hospital.

Officers secured the scene and detained several persons who live in the complex. They ended up charging Ruben Ceja Artega, 40, of Ceres, with Tovar's murder. Police said that Artega used an "improvised device" in the deadly assault but would not divulge details about the case.

Ceres Police were not called by the offended party prior to the attack. Police said the Tovar family had the issue with the neighbor playing music too loud.

The other stabbing victims, who are 25 and 31, were identified as brothers of Tovar. They were treated and released.

Alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor, said Sgt. Pat Sullivan.

"Family members told us that he (Artega) had been drinking earlier," said Sullivan.

Detectives are still investigating the case. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call Det. Keith Griebel at 538-5727.

Friday's homicide was the second this year in Ceres. The last occurred on Nov. 22 when Ryan S. Flores, 33, was fatally shot on Boothe Road. The suspect in that case is still at large. Previously Ceres had been homicide free during the year.