Eiko's Restaurant Founder Reportedly Found Murdered In Her Napa Home

Napa police arrested a 71-year-old man Sunday on suspicion of killing his ex-wife.

Napa police and the Napa County coroner's office have not identified the victim, but Allison Hallum, general manager of Eiko's Modern Japanese cuisine in Napa, identified the victim as Eiko Nakamura, the founder of the restaurant.

A friend of the victim called police around 9:30 a.m. Sunday to report he had not heard from her since Friday, Napa police Capt. Jeff Troendly said.

Police went to a residence in the 2900 block of Pinewood Drive in Napa to check on the victim's welfare.

They contacted 71-year-old Shozaburo Nakamura, the victim's ex-husband who said he and his ex-wife still lived at the residence together, Troendly said.

Nakamura allowed the officers inside the residence and admitted he killed his ex-wife around 9 a.m. Saturday during a domestic dispute, Troendly said.

Police found the body of a 78-year-old woman in a bathroom. She had suffered several stab wounds and showed signs of blunt force trauma, according to Troendly.

Shozaburo Nakamura was arrested and booked in the Napa County Department of Corrections on suspicion of murder. The case is still under investigation, Troendly said.

Eiko Nakamura owned the Fujiya Restaurant at the Napa Premium Outlets for 24 years and founded Eiko's Modern Japanese Cuisine at 1385 Napa Town Center three years ago, Hallum said.

Hallum said her father Rick Zaslove owns Eiko's Modern Japanese Cuisine. Eiko was not an owner but was involved in the restaurant, Hallum said.

"She was an extremely kind and wonderful woman. She was one of the kindest and sweetest persons I've ever met," Hallum said.

The restaurant was closed Sunday but will be open today, Hallum said.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our founder Eiko Nakamura and will keep her memory alive here at the restaurant for years to come," Hallum said.

Condolences from community members are coming in on the eatery's Facebook page here. 

Previous Patch stories in Eiko's:

• New Life for Long-Vacant Napa Spot.
• UPDATE: Investigators Search Fire Site for Clues to Cause.
• Sushi Restaurants Open in Downtown Napa.