Man fatally stabbed by uncle while in car Christmas Day

NAPA, Calif. -- A Fairfield man allegedly stabbed his nephew to death while inside a car south of Napa on Christmas Day, Napa County sheriff's officials said Friday.

The stabbing was reported at 10:27 p.m. Thursday near the intersection of state Highways 29 and 221 just south of Napa city limits, sheriff's officials said.

Deputies responded and found the stabbing victim, 29-year-old Daniel Joseph Shaffer, who was taken to Queen of the Valley Medical Center and later pronounced dead, according to the sheriff's office.

Investigators determined that the victim was in the vehicle with his girlfriend and his uncle, Charles Leroy Shaffer, 50, and were traveling back to their homes in Fairfield after a family gathering in Napa, sheriff's officials said.

Charles Shaffer allegedly stabbed his nephew while the vehicle was being driven by the victim's girlfriend, according to the sheriff's office.

Deputies arrested him and booked him into jail on suspicion of murder.