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The suspect accused of kidnapping and killing Naomi Irion, who disappeared in a Walmart parking lot, has died by suicide in his jail cell. Troy Driver, 43, was awaiting trial for first-degree murder and kidnapping. Irion’s body was discovered weeks after her disappearance following an anonymous tip. Driver had a previous conviction as an accessory to murder in 1997. The incident is currently being investigated by Nevada State Police. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the appropriate helpline for support. Kelly Rissman reported
The individual accused of abducting and killing 18-year-old Naomi Irion, who went missing in a Walmart parking lot, has died by suicide while awaiting trial in his jail cell. The Lyon County Sheriff’s Department reported that on August 6th at 6:17 PM, during routine cell checks, deputies discovered an unresponsive inmate. The inmate, identified as Troy Driver, 43, received medical attention from both officers and the Yerington/Mason Valley Fire Department, but unfortunately, their efforts were unsuccessful. The sheriff’s office believes that Driver died by asphyxiation in an apparent suicide, as he was held in a maximum-security cell with no contact with other prisoners. The incident is currently under investigation by the Nevada State Police.
Driver was awaiting trial after being charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping in connection with Irion’s disappearance on March 12th, 2022. Irion had recently relocated to Nevada to live with her brother, Casey Valley. Mr. Valley expressed his reaction to Driver’s death on Facebook, expressing regret that Driver chose to take the easy way out before the trial but asserting his belief that Driver was the perpetrator. He also acknowledged experiencing mixed emotions at the moment.
Following an anonymous tip, investigators discovered Irion’s body in a remote area of Nevada weeks after she vanished outside a Walmart in Fernley, which is located 30 miles east of Reno. Surveillance footage showed Driver, a resident of Fallon, Nevada, and an employee of construction company Ledcor, interacting with Irion in the Walmart parking lot. The footage revealed Irion moving from the driver’s side to the passenger’s side of her car while in the presence of Driver, who was wearing a hooded garment.
It is worth noting that the suspect in Irion’s murder had previously pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting a murder in 1997. At the age of 17, Driver reportedly assisted his girlfriend in disposing of the body of a methamphetamine dealer in Willits, California.
If you are struggling with feelings of distress and isolation or need support, The Samaritans offer confidential assistance. You can contact them for free over the phone at 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit their website to find your nearest branch. For individuals in the USA seeking immediate mental health assistance, the National Suicide Prevention Helpline can be reached at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This helpline operates 24/7 and ensures confidential crisis support. For individuals in other countries, visit www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you..
