Uncle suspected of stabbing nephew to death south of Napa

A 29-year-old Fairfield man was stabbed to death in a car on the highway Christmas night after leaving a family celebration in Napa, Napa County sheriff’s officials said.

The man’s uncle, 50-year-old Charles Leroy Shaffer of Fairfield, was arrested on suspicion of murder and booked into the Napa County Jail, records show.

Shaffer is suspected of stabbing his nephew, Daniel Joseph Shaffer, several times from behind with a folding knife just before 10:30 p.m. on Highway 29 near Highway 221, south of the city of Napa, Capt. Doug Pike said.

“The (nephew’s) girlfriend was driving; the nephew was in the right front passenger seat, the uncle in the back,” Pike said. “At some point an altercation picks up between the uncle and the nephew. The girlfriend pulled over and called 911.”

Daniel Shaffer was stabbed multiple times. Paramedics took him to Queen of the Valley Medical Center, where he died , Pike said. His uncle was arrested at the scene , Pike said.

Detectives Friday were examining the car for evidence. An autopsy was scheduled for Friday afternoon. Authorities suspect both Shaffers were intoxicated, Pike said.