Ceres Police believe that a Ceres man died by a self-inflicted stab wound in an apparent suicide attempt Wednesday but the case was first treated as a homicide.

"The girlfriend called it in. She was there when he stabbed himself," said Detective Dennis Perry.

Police found 31-year-old Christopher Caras mortally wounded in Apartment #3 at 2505 Second Street at Whitmore Avenue across from Ceres High School. Perry said the victim stabbed himself once in the chest.

"It's not common but it's not unusual," said Perry of the choice of death weapon.

Caras was reportedly under the influence of methamphetamine and distraught.

The investigation determined that Caras was "obviously not very happy," said Det. Perry.

While the girlfriend has been very cooperative, the investigation must run its course before clearing her as a suspect.

"Our investigation is far from being complete but it's not the first time he attempted to kill himself. He tried to commit suicide when he was 17 year by overdose."

Police received the 9-1-1 call at 11:17 a.m. Paramedics tended to the victim and rushed him to a local hospital. He died in the emergency room, said police.

Casas, a Bakersfield native, had lived in the apartment for a year, said Perry. - By JEFF BENZIGER / Managing Editor of the Ceres (Calif.) Courier